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JOHN R. YOUNG 
On his Sixtieth Birthday 



Memoirs 

of 

John R. Young 

Utah Pioneer 
1847 



JVritten by Himself 



Salt Lake City, Utah 

The Deseret News 

1920 






Copyright, 1920 
By John R. Young 



OCT -8 1920 



©CU597730 



''Words are the soul's ambassadors who go 
Abroad, upon her errands to and fro, 
They are the chief expounders of the mind, 
And correspondence kept 'twixt all mankind." 

They place in memory's clasp, truths we have read. 
Beautiful words, of both living and dead. 
Helping us cherish, and nurse as they grow, 
Elysian plants, from thoughts that we sow, 
Bringing to memory, and waking to life 
The form, and face of a child, or wife, 
The choicest treasures to mortals given, 
The golden thread that leads to heaven. 

O, may the thoughts in this book penned. 
Prove sweet, and pure, to kindred and friend. 
To a child, or grandchild, as the case may be, 
Loyal scions, from the ancestral tree ; 
Whose pulse will quicken, and brain will throb. 
As they view the path the grandsire trod. 



Appreciation 

With pleasure I express thanks to Professor 
N. L. Nelson, Historian Andrezv Jenson, Elder 
Walter J. Lezvis, Sister W. Lyle Allred; and to 
my son, Nezvell K. Young, and to you, my many 
friends, zvho have given zvords of encouragement 
to 

THE AUTHOR. 



Contents 



CHAPTER 1. 
Birth. — Childhood Recollections 9 

CHAPTER 2. 

Camp on Sugar Creek. — Brigham's Charge to the Exiles. — 

Death of a Noble Woman. — Free from Mobs 14 

CHAPTER 3. 

Petition Governors.-^William C. Staines. — Captain James 

Allen 20 

CHAPTER 4. 

Thomas L. Kane's Description of the City of Nauvoo, and 

the Exiled Mormons 31 

CHAPTER 5. 

Daniel H. Wells. — Baptism; for khe Dead. — Lqrenzo D. 

Young's Miission. — Wilford Woodruff. — Saved by Prayer 39 

CHAPTER 6. 

Brigham's Wise Counsels. — Joseph Toronto. — Joseph Smith, 

Seer and Organizer. — Prophecy of August 6, 1842 47 

CHAPTER 7. 

.\ Religious Commonwealth. — General Clark's Decree. — 
Brigham's Indian Policy. — Its Peaceable Fruits. — The 
Glory of the Immigrant's First View of the Valley.... 54 

CHAPTER 8. 

Mormon Stalwarts. — A War on the Plains. — Death of 
Celestia Kimball. — Two Indian Girls Tortured. — Sally's 
Death. — Ira Eldredge's Dog and the Wolf. — Delicious 
Rawhide Soup. — Eat Thistles. — The Devastating Crickets. 
— Deliverance Wrought by the Sea Gulls 60 



vi CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER 9. 

My First Mission.— Uncle Brigham's Counsel.— Parley P. 
Pratt, Teacher and Orator.— My First View of the 
Ocean.— San Francisco. — Tracting the City. — Scrap 
With a Hotel Keeper.— Labor as a Cook in the Home 
of Mir. McLean. — The Man who Murdered Parley P. 
Pratt 67 

CHAPTER 10. 
Sail for the Islands. — At Honolulu I Labor in Tin Shop.— 
My First Kanaka Meal. — A Home with Kiama. — At- 
tend Native Funeral. — Meet Mr. Emerson. — Three Days 
Without Food. — Saved by a Donkey. — Lose mv Eye- 
sight. — Receive a Glorious Vision 7Z 

CHAPTER 11. 

On Oahu Again.— John Hyde's Apostasy. — I Meet Him in 

the Presbyterian Church. — At Waiahia 82 

CHAPTER' 12. 

Hear of Parley P. Pratt's Death. — Buchanan Sends Harney 

to Utah. — Letter From Brigham Young 92 

CHAPTER 13. 

Praise for the Elders. — Efforts to Bring Two Natives to 
Utah. — Sail for Home. — Description of Steerage. — An 
Earnest Prayer.— Timidity of the Saints. — Baptize a 
New Convert at Midnight 99 

CHAPTER 14. 

Visit My Cousin.— His Tempting Offer.— Meet the Agents of 
Mr. Walker, the noted Filibusterer.— Baptize Mrs. 
Bradford 105 

CHAPTER 15. 

Start for a Thirtee.n-H\indred-Mile Walk.— Become Indian 
Scout. — Meet Jacob Hamblin, the Indian Peacemaker. — 
Surrounded by Indians. — Shooting a Dove, Saves our 

Scalps 109 

CHAPTER 16. 

Home Activities.— Counseled not to Study Law.— Called to 

Uintah and Dixie Ho 



CONTENTS. 



Vll 



CHAPTER 17. 

Miss Carmichael's Parting Words.— San Francisco.— Orson 
Pratt's Prophecy.— Sail for Hawaii.— Delivered from the 
Hands of a Wicked Man.— Visit Walter Ml Gibson.— 
View Kawaimanu 127 

CHAPTER 18. 

Conference at Wailuku. — Return to Honolulu. — Sail for 

Home. — Man Overboard 135 

CHAPTER 19. 

United Order. — Indian Troubles. — Mission to England 152 

CHAPTER 20. 

Transferred to the Bristol Conference.— A Remarkable 

Woman. — My Views of Celestial Marriage 158 

CHAPTER 21. 

A Visit to Wales. — Mrs. Simon's Good Work. — A Tribute 
to Joseph Fielding Smfth. — A Letter from my Wife, 
Albina 171 

CHAPTER 22. 

Death of Jehiel McConnell. — A Letter to my Daughter. — 
Five Thousand Dollar Reward. — Letter from Apostle 
Joseph F. Smith 184 

CHAPTER 23. 

A Letter to my Son. — An Enquirer Answered. — The Sinking 
of the Euridice, Four Hundred Men Perish. — Letters 
from Home. — Two Splendid Dreams 192 

CHAPTER 24. 

Death of a Lady Apostle Woodruff Baptized in 1840, At 
Midnight. — Bantize an Aged Backslider. — A Letter 
from Apostle Wilford Woodruff. — Transferred to the 
London Conference 201 

CHAPTER 25. 

Visit London, the Grandest City in the World. — Meet the 
Claridge Family, and Leave My Testimony With Them. 
—Visit Portsmouth and the Home of Nellie Grant 
Sardys. — Labor With Elder Connelly. — Rake Hay and 
Receive a Gift from an English Lord 209 



viii CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER 26. 

Conditions at Orderville.— Letter to E. M. Webb, on Politics. 
—Visit Winchester Cathedral.— Pass Through the Town 

of London. — Letter from President William Budge. 

Mobbed at Albourne 223 

CHAPTER 27. 
Goodbye to England.— A Poem.— The Master's Question.. 236 

CHAPTER 28. 
In memory of My Wife, Albina.— "By Their Fruits Ye 

Shall Know Them" 242 

CHAPTER 29. 

In Memory of My Wife, Lydia 249 

CHAPTER 30. 

In Memory of My Wife, Tamar, and Sacred to My Wife 

Catherine 256 

APPENDIX— STORIES AND RHYMES. 
CHAPTER '31. 

Twenty-fourth of July Musings Sent to President Joseph 
F. Smith. — Twenty-fourth of July Toast. — Utah. — 
Thrilling Eruption of Kilauea 267 

CHAPTER 32. 
A Thrilling Experience on the Plains. — The Stampede 286 

CHAPTER 33. 
A Squaw Fight 298 

CHAPTER 34. 

Crusade Against Plural M|arriage 305 

CHAPTER 35. 
Salt Lake Valley in 1847.— Utah Pioneers.— A Peaceful 

Home ' • • • 318 

CHAPTER 36. 

From the Cradle to the Grave. — Lines to Sister M. L 324 

CHAPTER 37. 
The Young Men's Pledge.— Brigham Young's One Hun- 
dredth Birthday. — Mary's Birthday. — Some Things that 
I Remember ^28 



Memoirs of John R. Young, 



CHAPTER 1. 

Birth. — Childhood Recollections. 

I was born April 30, 1837, at Kirtland, Ohio. I 
am the third son of Lorenzo Dow and Persis Goodell 
Young. My parents were early numbered among the 
followers of the Prophet Joseph Smith; and my father, 
being physically strong and restless, full of spirituality, 
and endowed with deep human sympathy, was naturally 
among the foremost in all the troubles the Church passed 
through during the first twenty years of its existence. 
He suffered much in the Missouri persecutions, being 
one of those who participated in the Crooked River Bat- 
tle, and risking his life to aid in delivering his brethren 
from the hands of kidnapers. His heroic part in that 
fight led to a price being set upon his head; in conse- 
quence, and following the counsel of his brother. Brig- 
ham Young, he, with others, fled to the State of Illinois. 
Of those early troubles I write what I have heard my 
parents and my brothers say; my own memory reaching 
no farther back than Nauvoo. 

My earliest recollection is of suffering with the 
chills. How cold I would be! We must have been poor, 

2 



10 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

for the food did not suit me. It rained so much I had 
to stay indoors, although I cried to go out. 

One day father took me for a walk, to give me 
air and sunshine. We met Joseph and Hyrum Smith and 
Sidney Rigdon. Father shook hands warmly with Jo- 
seph and Hyrum, but he merely bowed to Brother Rig- 
don. Joseph asked if I was' the child father had re- 
quested the elders to pray for. Being answered in the 
affirmative, the prophet removed my hat, ran his fingers 
through my curly locks, and said, 

"Brother Lorenzo, this boy will live to aid in carry- 
ing the Gospel to the nations of the earth." 

His words thrilled me like fire; and from that hour 
I looked forward to the day when I should be a mission- 
ary. 

Not long after that, Joseph was martyred at Carth- 
age. I remember how my mother wept, and how shocked 
and prostrated everybody was, when the bloodstained 
bodies of the Prophet and his brother were brought home. 
Father was away doing missionary work when that fear- 
ful tragedy took place. A little later, while attending 
meetings, I noticed that Uncle Brigham sat in the place 
where Joseph was wont to sit, and one evening, after 
father's return from Ohio, I heard him say, 'They will 
now seek for Brigham's life as they did for Joseph's, just 
so long as he proves true to the trust God has placed 
upon him." 

I wondered why that should be. If a man does 
good, and God loves him, why should men hate him? 
Yet the angel Moroni understood that principle, for he 
said to the boy Joseph, ''Your name shall be had for 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YO UNG. 1 1 

good and evil, among all the nations of the earth" — 
a wonderful prophecy, and wonderfully fulfilled. 

And right here we have a vivid illustration of the 
operation of prejudice or jealousy, so called. In 1839, 
the Saints, under the guidance of their Prophet leader, 
came to Commerce, 111., and purchased a tract of land, 
principally wild woods and swamps, and on that account, 
very unhealthful. In five years' time, without capital, by 
faith and intelligent labor, the swamps had been drained, 
much of the forest removed, and a thousand comfortable 
homes had been erected. The walls of a magnificent 
temple adorned the central part of the new-born city; 
and the master spirits, who brought about the mighty 
change, were loved, as men are seldom loved, by the 
builders of those happy homes. But the dwellers round 
about were filled with jealousy and rage; and, aided by 
a few apostate members of the Church, waged a cruel war, 
until Joseph and Hyrum were slain, and the Saints were 
driven from the homes their industry had created. 

In 1904 my home was at Fruitland, New Mexico. 

One day Mr. Butler, editor of the "Aztec Enterprise," 
invited me to write for his paper my recollections of our 
people's leaving Nauvoo. I complied, and from memory 
wrote the following narrative which I wish to place on 
record as a gift to my children: 

How dear to my heart are the scenes of my childhood;' 

How I love to cherish, and con them o'er. 
The cottage, the Temple, the river and wildwood! 
All sweetly remembered, though seen no more. 
''With malice to none, 
With charity to all.'* 



12 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YO UNG. 

I turn the wheels of memory back to the home of 
my childhood. Of this terrible episode in the history 
of our people, others have written better than I can hope 
to write; nevertheless, through the eyes of a boy of nine, 
let me look out once more upon the tragic fate of Nauvoo, 
the city beautiful. 

It is the month of February, 1846. The sun is 
shining brightly, yet the air is keen and cutting. The 
wheels ring as we drive over the frozen snow. In our 
home since early morning, all has been hurry and bustle ; 
two wagons stand in our front yard, and my father with 
two other men, strangers to me, are carrying out our 
household goods. My mother looks pale, and when I ask 
her, "What is the matter?" she takes me in her arms, 
kisses me, and says, "We are going to leave our home, 
and will never see it again!" 

Just then some other teams come along, and one of 
the brethren calls to my father to be sure to put out the 
fire, and to hurry up, for it is getting late. In a few 
minutes mother and the children are lifted tenderly into 
the wagon. Father next takes his place on the front seat, 
turns his face to the west, and his back upon the home, 
which it had taken seven years of sacrifice and toil to 
build. 

At the river are three flat boats, or scows. Here 
and there on the banks of the river stand pale-faced moth- 
ers cuddling their little ones, while husbands and fathers 
quietly, yet resolutely, roll the wagons on to the boats, 
then with long poles push from the shore out upon the 
bosom of the mighty river. No farewells are uttered, no 
words spoken. Each man knows his duty, and performs it 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R, YOUNG. 13 

energetically; for they are not hirelings, these men of 
stout hearts and muscular arms. Nor is it a light task to 
guide those unwieldly scows through drifting ice, across 
that mile-wide river. 

Today, as I recall the scene, and remember the names 
of some of those heroic exiles : Edwin Little, Thomas 
Grover, Warren Snow, William and Lige Potter, Charles 
Shumway, and many others whose lives are interwoven 
with whatever is great and enduring in our beloved com- 
monwealth, I cannot but liken them to the brave men who 
faced ice and cold on Christmas night when the invinci- 
ble Washington led them across the Delaware to do bat- 
tle with their country's foes. 

Like these, and also inspired with a new and high- 
er ideal of liberty, our fathers and mothers knew no fear, 
but trusting in God they crossed the river to the dark 
beyond, knowing that a conflict awaited them, yet feel- 
ing beforehand as only a virile faith can make man feel, 
that theirs would be the victory, they left their homes in 
the dead of winter, seeking a better home, but when or 
where, they knew not! 



▲i 



CHAPTER 2. 

Camp on Sugar Creek.— Brigham's Charge to the Exiles. — 
Death of a Noble Woman.— Garden Grove.— Free from 
Mobs. ^ 

God pity the exiles, when storms come down — 
When snow-laden clouds hang low on the ground, 
When the chill blast of winter, with frost on its breath 
Sweeps through the tents, like the angel of death! 
When the sharp cry of child-birth is heard on the air, 
And the voice of the father breaks down in his prayer, 
As he pleads with Jehovah, his loved ones to spare ! 

My father was among the first of the Saints who 
left Nauvoo and the State of Illinois to avoid the storm 
of persecution that religious prejudice had created 
against us. A general gathering place had been chosen 
nine miles from the river, on Sugar Creek. Here an 
advance company of brethren had prepared for our com- 
ing by shoveling away the snow, so that we had dry spots 
on which to pitch our tents. Nor did we pitch camp a 
day too soon; for a heavy storm swept over that part of 
the country, leaving the snow fourteen inches deep, and 
being followed by a cold so intense that the Mississippi 
froze over, and many later teams crossed on the ice. 

On the fifteenth day of February Presidents Brig- 
ham Young and Heber C. Kimball joined us; and for the 
next two wrecks a continuous stream of wagons poured 
into tl^e encampment so that by the first of March over 
five thousand exiles were shivering behind the meager 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 15 

shelter of wagon covers and tents, and the winter-stripped 
groves that Hned the Creek. Their sufferings have never 
been adequately told; and to realize how cruel and ill- 
timed was this forced exodus one has only to be reminded 
that in one night nine children were born under these dis- 
tressing conditions. 

When it is remembered that only seven years had 
elapsed since twelve thousand of our people had fled 
"naked and peeled" from the state of Missouri, and that 
now the entire community of twenty thousand souls were 
again leaving their homes unsold, it can be easily under- 
stood that they were ill prepared to endure the hardships 
they were thus forced to meet. 

By ascending a nearby hill we could look back up- 
on the beautiful city and see the splendid temple we had 
reared in our poverty at a cost of one and a half mil- 
lion dollars; moreover, on a clear, calm morning we 
could hear: 

The silvery notes of the temple bell 

That we loved so deep and well : 

And a pang of grief would swell the heart, 

And the scalding tears in anguish start 

As we silently gazed on our dear old homes. 

To remove this ever present invitation to grief and 
sorrow, our leaders wisely resolved to make a forward 
move. It was believed the frost would hold up our 
wagons. If not, short drives could at any rate be made. 
Activity would relieve our severely tried hearts. I re- 
member hearing the ringing voice of President Young 
as standing early in the morning in the front end of his 
wagon, he said : 



16 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

"Attention, the camps of Israel. I propose to move 
forward on our journey. Let all who wish follow me; 
but I want none to come unless they will obey the com- 
mandments and statutes of the Lord. Cease therefore 
your contentions and back-biting, lUor must there be 
swearing or profanity in our camps. Whoever finds any- 
thing must seek diligently to return it to the owner. The 
Sabbath day must be hallowed. In all our camp, prayers 
should be offered up both morning and evening. If you 
do these things, faith will abide in your hearts; and the 
angels of God will go with you, even as they went with 
the children of Israel when Moses led them from the land 
of Egypt." ^ 

This brief epitome of the rules and regulations that 
were to guide us, will give the thoughtful reader a key 
to the wonderful influence of President Young and the 
Twelve Apostles. The Saints were intensely religious 
and their peculiar faith in prophets and present and con- 
tinuous revelation had stirred up the anger and prejud- 
ice of their Christian neighbors until it culminated in the 
martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith and the expul- 
sion of the Saints from Nauvoo. Americans, and in many 
instances the near and direct descendants of Revolution 
sires, cast out from American civilization because they 
believed in the visitation of angels and persisted in ^wor- 
shiping God according to the dictates of their own con- 
science. 

It was on the first of March, 1846, only two weeks 
after leaving Nauvoo, that the Saints broke camp and 
moved forward in two general divisions, under the lead- 
ership respectively of Brigham Young and Heber C. Kim- 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R, YOUNG. 17 

ball. Their course was westward over the rolling prair- 
ies of Iowa. Only too soon did they find every hollow 
to be a mud hole, in which the wagons would sink to the 
axle. But having started, they could do no better than 
"double teams" and go slow. Often they would not make 
over three miles a day, and what added to their discom- 
fort was the continuous rain which wet those who were 
walking to the skin, and even beat through the wagon 
covers, wetting and chilling the sick and feeble. These 
conditions gave rise to acts of heroism as noble as were 
ever recorded. 

I remember one notable instance : 

Orson Spencer was a graduate from an eastern col- 
lege, who having studied for the ministry, became a popu- 
lar preacher in the Baptist Church. Meeting with a 
"Mormon" elder, he became acquainted with the teach- 
ings of Joseph Smith and accepted them. Before doing 
so, however, he and his highly educated young wife 
counted the cost, laid their hearts on the altar and made 
the sacrifice! How few realize what it involved to be- 
come a "Mormon" in those early days! Home, friends, 
occupation, popularity, all that makes life pleasant, were 
gone. Almost over night they were strangers to their 
own kindred. 

After leaving Nauvoo, his wife, ever delicate and 
frail, sank rapidly under the ever accumulating hardships. 
The sorrowing husband wrote imploringly to the wife's 
parents, asking them to receive her into their home un- 
til the Saints should find an abiding place. The answer 
came, "Let her renounce her degrading faith and she can 
come back, but never until she does." 



18 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

When the letter was read to her, she asked her hus- 
band to get his Bible and to turn to the >»ook of Ruth 
and read the first chapter, sixteenth and seventeenth 
verses : ''Entreat me not to leave thee or to return from 
following after thee; for whither thou goest I will go, 
and where thou lodgest I will lodge. Thy people shall 
be my people and thy God my God." 

Not a murmur escaped her lips. The storm was 
severe and the wagon covers leaked. Friends held milk 
pans over her bed to keep her dry. In those conditions, 
in peace and without apparent suffering, the spirit took 
its flight and her body was consigned to a grave by the 
wayside. 

A thousand times thereafter the Saints had occasion 
to sing : 

"How many on the trackless plains 

Have found an unknown grave, 
Pure, faithful Saints, too good to live 

In such a wicked place. 
Btit are they left in sorrow, 

Or doubt to pine away? 
Oh, no. in peace they're resting 

Till the Resurrection Day." 

From the first of March until the 19th of April 
not a day passed without rain, making the roads almost 
impassable, and entailing a vast amount of labor with 
but little advancement. At this date our camps had 
reached Grand river. President Young called a halt 
and set all hands at work fencing a field and planting 
crops for the benefit of the poor who would follow. First 
an ample guard was selected to look after the stock. That 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 19 

left three hundred fifty-nine laboring men; of these, one 
hundred were selected to make rails under the direction 
of C. C. Rich ; ten under James AUred to put up fence ; 
forty-nine under Father John Smith, uncle of the Prophet 
Joseph, to build houses ; twelve under Jacob Peart to dig 
wells; ten under A. P. Rockwood to build the bridges, 
and one hundred eighty under Daniel Spencer to clear 
land, plow, and plant. 

All were thus employed, and the camp became pres- 
ently like a hive of bees. There being no room for 
idlers, all seemed happy. This place was named Garden 
Grove; and Samuel. Bent, Aaron Johnson, and David 
Fullmer were chosen to preside over those that should re- 
main. They were instructed to divide the lands among 
the poor without charge; but to give to no man more 
than he could thoroughly cultivate. There must be no 
waste and no speculation. Moreover, the settlement was 
not regarded as more than temporary ; for as soon as our 
leaders should find the ''place," all energies were to be 
centered in gathering to that place. As yet, however, 
no one, not even Brigham Young, knew where the "place'' 
would be ; but it was talked at the camp fires that Presi- 
dent Young had seen, in vision, a wonderful valley, so 
large that all our people could be gathered into it, and 
yet so far from civilization, that mobs could not come 
at night to burn and whip and kidnap. Strange as it may 
seem, this vision formed the most entrancing theme of 
our conversations, and the national song of Switzerland 
became our favorite hymn : 

"For the strength of the hills we thank Thee, 

Our God, our father's God." 



CHAPTERS. 

Petition Governors. — Wm;. C. Staines, Captain James Allen. 

Push on, push on, ye struggling Saints, 

The clouds are breaking fast. 
It is no time to doubt or faint; 

The Rubicon is past. 

Behind us storms and rivers lie; 

Before the sun shines bright, 
And we must win or we must die — 

We cannot shun the fight. 

On the 11th of April the main camps moved for- 
ward again. There being now more sunshine and the 
roads firmer, better progress was made; and on the 18th 
they reached the middle fork of Grand river. Here Presi- 
dent Young selected another farm, and all hands were 
set at work fencing, plowing, and planting. This place 
was named Pisgah, and Wm. Huntington, E. T. Benson, 
and C. C. Rich were chosen to preside. The counsel given 
at Garden Grove was repeated here. The policies were to 
be the same. Brigham's whole soul was thrown into the 
work, and this can be as truly said of his associates, the 
Twelve. They were united in their counsels. They 
thought of everything and of everybody. They gave much 
thought and anxiety toward the poor who were left in 
Nauvoo and these farms were established for their bene- 
fit. Brigham and Heber remained at Pisgah until June 
2nd, when they and the main camp pushed on again. We 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 21 

were now in the Pottawattamies' land, but the Indians re- 
ceived us kindly — I might say, even in a brotherly man- 
ner. They said, "We have plenty of grass and wood, and 
our Mormon brothers are welcome to all they want." 
This kind reception by the Red men touched a tender 
spot in the hearts of the Latter-day Saints. It was like 
a ray of sunshine in a dark day ; a glimmer of light to a 
benighted traveler. 

Before leaving Nauvoo, the Twelve had addressed 
petitions to the governors of every state in the union ask- 
ing for an asylum for our people. Only two states deigned 
to reply. Governor Lucas of Iowa wrote a kind reply, ex- 
pressing his personal sympathy, but advising us to leave 
the confines of the United States. This we did not 
wish to do, for we were Americans and loved our coun- 
try. My grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier and 
served under General Washington in three campaigns. 
My father was proud of that record, and transmitted his 
feelings of loyalty to his children. 

But now the nation through representatives had risen 
against us — we were forced to go. Senator Cass wrote 
that we had better go to Oregon; but to go there we 
had to pass through powerful tribes of Indians, and we 
feared lest their tomahawks should be turned against us. 

However, the reception given us by the Pottawatta- 
mies encouraged us ; and President Young, ever ready to 
grasp an inspiration and to act promptly, quietly sent a 
few discreet men to labor as missionaries among the In- 
dian tribes. One of these men, Wm. C. Staines, is worthy 
of note. He was a young English boy, a late convert to 
the faith, small in body, and so deformed as to be almost 



22 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YO UNG. 

a cripple ; yet he had a soul and an ambition as grand and 
lofty as the immortal Wolfe's. 

He penetrated the Indian tribes as far as the Sioux, 
by his sacrifices and force of character won their friend- 
ship and made impressions that opened the way for our 
people to pass through their lands in peace. 

From Pisgah westward the country was wild, with 
no roads running in the direction we wished to; for we 
had now left civilization, and I have sometimes thought 
that we felt like Adam and Eve when cast out of Eden. 
The world indeed was before us, but the richest and love- 
liest part was behind us, and a flaming sword guarded it 
on every side so that we could not return. 

However, the people were cheerful and as the 
weather was pleasant, camp life had an air of romance 
that amused the young. 

On the 14th of June President Young and the main 
camps struck the Missouri river. As it would require 
some time to construct ferry boats, a place was selected 
on the high lands near by and named Council Bluffs. 
The tents were pitched in a hollow square and a brush 
bowery was erected in which to hold our meetings. 

As we had no lumber, saw pits were erected, and 
men suitable for that labor having been selected, under 
the direction of Frederick Kesler the work of sawing 
planks was commenced. 

In the meantime provisions were becoming scarce. 
Small companies were organized under the leadership of 
capable men, and sent down into Missouri to trade off 
our watches, feather beds, shawls, and any other articles 
that could be spared. While God did not rain manna 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YO UNG. 23 

down from Heaven for the sustenance of the impoverished 
Saints, still there was a Providence over them for good, 
for conditions had been brought about that made food 
cheap. The northwestern settlements of Missouri had 
been blest with bounteous harvests. Their cribs were full 
of corn, and the forests were full of hogs, with no market 
for either. The Missourians were therefore eager to take 
our beds and give us their surplus food. 

Toward the close of the last day of June, Captain 
James Allen of the United States army, wnth a small 
escort rode into our midst. Instantly the camp was filled 
with a nervous, tremulous excitement. Who is he? What 
does he want? These were the questions that flew from 
lip to lip. 

Soon the voice of Brigham was heard : "Attention, 
Israel ! We want all the people to assemble in the bowery 
at ten o'clock tomorrow. We have matters of importance 
to present to them." 

The shadows of evening rested down upon the 
camp, then the stars rose in the east and slowly ascended 
to the meridian of the heavens. Still the camp fires 
burned and men talked with bated breath wondering 
what the morrow would bring forth. A spirit of un- 
rest brooded over the white city and many an eye had 
not closed in sleep wdien the golden flashes of light ap- 
peared in the east. 

I am not writing these sketches from a theological 
standpoint, or to make converts to the Mormon faith. 
I was there. I heard, I saw, I suffered, and am trying 
to write as I felt and still feel. 



24 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YO UNG. 

At ten o'clock the people assembled in the bowery, 
and began services by singing Cowper's inspired hymn: 

"God moves in a mysterious way 

His wonders to perform. 
He plants his footsteps in the sea, 

And rides upon the storm. 
Ye fearful Saints fresh courage take, 

The clouds ye so much dread 
Are big with mercy and will break 

In blessings on your head." 

After an earnest prayer, President Young introduced 
Captain James Allen, who said in substance that he had 
been sent by President Polk to ask for five hundred of 
our young men to enlist in the army and go to Cal- 
ifornia to fight the Mexicans. And now let an abler pen 
than mine speak a few words : 

"Imagination can alone picture the surprise, almost 
dismay, with which this startling news was received! 
The nation whose people had thrust them from its bord- 
ers and driven them into the wilderness, now calling upon 
them for aid ? And this in full face of the fact that their 
own oft reiterated appeals for help had been denied !" 

Captain Allen affirmed that President Polk's heart 
had been touched by our sufferings and that this was 
done as an act of kindness ! An act of kindness ! Was it 
not rather a deep-laid plan to bring about our entire des- 
truction? If we refused, then disarm us and the Indians 
would soon finish the job. 

From that day to this it has been a debated question 
among the Mormon people as to what the motive was 
in asking for the battalion. If the men enlisted, Captain 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YO UNG. 25 

Allen pledged himself to be a friend to the l3oys "as long 
as breath remained in his body;" and, be it said to his 
honor, faithfully and conscientiously did he k >ep that 
pledge. 

After free discussion by several of the brethren Presi- 
dent Young arose. Instantly breathless silence reigned. 
He was not a brilliant speaker like Orson Hyde, Parley P. 
Pratt, or Amasa M. Lyman, whose masterful speeches so 
often charmed their assemblies ; but he possessed a mag- 
netism and forcefulness that always claimed attention. 
The Saints realized that he was a man of wonderful re- 
sources. 

''I want to say to the brethren present that this is a 
surprise to me, but I believe Captain Allen to be a gentle- 
man, and a man of honor, and I accept his pledges to be 
a friend to our boys. Now, I would like the brethren 
to enlist and make up a battalion, and go and serve your 
country, and if you will do this, and live your religion, 
I promise you in the name of Israel's God that not a 
man of you shall fall in battle." 

That settled the matter. Brigham's promise was as 
good as gold; the clouds passed away, the spirit of un- 
rest fled the camp, the people returned to their tents satis- 
fied, and on the morrow the stars and stripes were un- 
furled and nailed to a liberty pole. Duzett's martial band 
and Pitt's celebrated brass band were hauled in wagons 
from camp to camp and aided, with soul stirring music, to 
enthuse the boys. With Brigham and the twelve as re- 
cruiting officers the matter went with a rush. In no part 
of our broad land were five hundred men ever more 
quickly enlisted than in the Mormon camps. 



26 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YO UNO. 

The charge of treason and of want of loyalty to our 
country was flung back into the teeth of those who ut- 
tered it. The sacrifice having now been made, the bless- 
ing was sure to follow. The raising of tlie Mormon 
battalion was an event of great importance, for while it 
brought about many heartaches and much individual suf- 
fering, it taught a lesson of patriotism never to be for- 
gotten. It led to enlarged emphasis in regard to our re- 
lationship to the national government, for Latter-day 
Saints have ever taught that the Constitution of our 
country was given by inspiration, and consequently that 
all laws made in accordance therewith ought to be loved, 
honored, and obeyed. 

As soon as the labor of raising the battalion was ac- 
complished, Brigham turned' the energies of his active 
mind to the task of pushing further west. The hope of 
reaching Oregon or California that season was given up ; 
but Brigham was anxious to place the turbid waters of 
the Missouri between us and our old enemies. About the 
1st of July the ferry boat was launched and families be- 
gan crossing over into the land of the Otoes. 

Boy that I was, the swimming of the cattle was an 
achievement of great interest. Early in the morning, so 
that the sun might not shine in the cattle's faces, a boat- 
load was taken across and held on the opposite shore. Then 
a thousand head were driven some distance up the stream 
and forced into the river. Good swimmers would climb 
upon the backs of some of the strongest oxen, and slap- 
ping them on the sides of the faces would guide them into 
the current. Soon we had a string of animals reaching 
from one shore to the other. Of course it was lively and 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YO UNG. 27 

exciting, and called for courage and physical endurance. 

In days of rest our camp would present scenes of 
competitive athletic sports which would have been a credit 
to any nation. Brigham, like Joseph, was very fond of 
witnessing tests of manhood, and always had near him 
trusted men, who could be relied upon for strength, cour- 
age, and fidelity. In the act of swimming our cattle not 
an animal was lost ; nor were the hardy swimmers who 
breasted the Missouri river with them ever lost sight of 
thereafter. 

About 3 miles southwest of the ferry a place was 
selected for a winter encampment and called Winter 
Quarters. It is now called Florence. A town was laid 
out, a hewn-log meetinghouse was erected, a grist mill 
was built, and a day school was conducted in the meeting- 
house under the direction of Professor Orson Spencer of 
Boston. In the evening a grammar school was taught. 

I remember one of the short humorous lectures given 
by Apostle George A. Smith, cousin of Joseph. Speaking 
on the beauties of simplicity in language, he told, by con- 
trast, the following story : A young graduate called at 
a country hotel for entertainment and said to the hostler, 

''Detach the quadruped from the vehicle, stabulate 
him, donate him a sufficient quantity of nutrition aU- 
ment, and when the aurora of day shall illuminate the 
horizon, I will award thee a pecuniary compensation." 

The boy ran into the house and said, "Landlord, 
come out; there is a Dutchman here, and I can't under- 
stand a word he says." 

As soon as it was decided to remain over winter an 
application was made to Otoe chiefs for permission to re- 



28 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YO UNG. 

main on their lands until spring. In consideration of 
some presents, their consent was obtained, but they did not 
welcome us as the Pottowattamies had done. The finest 
spots of meadow lands were sought out and soon the white 
man's scythes were cutting heavy swaths and hay stacks 
were looming up on all sides. 

The rising of the stacks seemed to be a signal for the 
Indians to make raids upon our stock. Joseph F. Smith, 
then a lad of nine years, and two companions by the name 
of Aldrich were herding milk cows. At about three 
o'clock in the afternoon the Indians raided the herd, the 
herders barely escaping with their lives. Fortunately Cap- 
tain Davis with his mounted scouts were nearby and re- 
covered the cattle. From that time on our stock was 
closely guarded. 

Trouble next began with the government Indian 
agent who lived at Sarpees Point. He ordered our people 
to move off from the Otoes' lands, and threatened to eject 
them by force. He even went so far as to refuse to let 
our people go down to the frontier settlements in Mis- 
souri withot\2 permits from him. As teams would return 
he would stop them by force and search the wagons under 
the pretext of looking for firearms, ammunition, and 
whiskey. As a matter of fact we needed all these things ; 
especially arms and ammunition for defense and self pro- 
tection, and as the summer passed on, many of the Saints 
were afflicted with malarial fevers, and alcohol was need- 
ed for medical purposes. 

But Mitchell refused to allow anything of the kind 
to pass his post on its way to our camps. Several barrels 
of alcohol bought openly from merchants at St. Joseph 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YO UNG. 29 

were knocked in the head and spilt by Mitchell's orders. 
These oppressive acts were very humiliating-; and it re- 
quired constant vigilance on the part of our leaders to 
keep some of our boys from resenting these open insults. 

Fortunately for us, Colonel Kane was still at our 
camps. He wrote to his father at Philadelphia, and the 
judge visiting Washington ably represented our true con- 
dition to President Polk and his cabinet. The result was, 
Mr. Indian agent was called down and the Mormons 
were allowed to winter on the west bank of the Missouri 
river. 

Many years ago I visited Hilo, a beautiful city on the 
Island of Hawaii. I noticed when gentlemen walked out 
that they always carried umbrellas with them; and when 
I asked them why, the reply was, that you never can tell 
here when it's going to rain. That's a good representa- 
tion of Mormon life. We never know when a storm is 
brewing from the outside, nor from w4iat quarter the 
Avind will blow. 

When the main body of the Church left Nauvoo, it 
was understood with the mob that the poor and destitute 
would be allowed to remain in peace, in the possession of 
their homes, until our leaders should find a place for our 
permanent settlement. But in this promise we were dis- 
appointed. Those who thrust us out, were not only desir- 
ous of being rid of our presence, but they sought our utter 
destruction, as the history of all their aggressive opera- 
tions, when taken collectively, plainly shows. 

See how thoughtfully they waited until the strength 
of our camps, the battalion was gone ; till our main camps 
were encroaching on the Red Man's domain, so that 



/ 



30 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

wicked men might stir up the Indians to hostilities against 
us. Then our enemies, for I cannot call them else, mar- 
shaled all their strength, fifteen hundred or two thou- 
sand men, and with a battery of artillery on the 16th of 
September, set upon the remnants of our people, who were 
still in Nauvoo, and after three days' battle took possession 
of the city and drove the inhabitants across the Mississippi 
to perish of hunger and exposure. 



CHAPTER 4. 

Thomas L. Kane's Description of the City of Nauvoo, and 
the Exiled Mormons. 

And now I wish you to read the graphic lecture of 
Thomas L. Kane before the Historical Society of Phila- 
delphia : 

"A few years ago, ascending the upper Mississippi 
in the autumn, when its waters were low, I was compelled 
to travel by land past the region of the rapids. My road 
lay through the Half Breed tract, a fine section of Iowa, 
which the unsettled state of its land titles had appropriated 
as a sanctuary for coiners, horse thieves and other out- 
laws. I had left my steamer at Keokuk at the foot of the 
lower falls, to hire a carriage and to contend for some 
fragments of a dirty meal with the swarming flies, the 
only scavengers of the locality. 

"From this place to where the deep water of the 
river returns my eye wearied to see everywhere sordid 
vagabond and idle settlers, and a country marred without 
being improved, by their careless hands. I was descend- 
ing the last hillside upon my journey, when a landscape in 
delightful contrast broke upon my view. Half encircled 
by a bend of the river, a beautiful city lay glittering- in the 
fresh morning sun. Its bright new dwellings, set in cool 
green gardens ranging up around a stately dome-shaped 
hill, which was crowned by a noble marble edifice, whose 
high tapering spire was radiant with white and gold. The 
city appeared to cover several miles, and beyond it, in the 
backgrounds, there rolled off a fair country chequered by 



32 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

the careful lines of fruitful husbandry. The unmistakable 
marks of industry, enterprise and educated wealth every- 
where, made the scene one of singular and most striking- 
beauty. It was a natural impulse to visit this inviting 
region. I procured a skiff, and rowing across the river, 
landed at the chief wharf of the city. No one met me 
there. I looked and saw no one. I could hear no one 
move, though the quiet everywhere was such that I heard 
the flies buzz and the water ripples break against the shal- 
low beach. I w^alked through the solitary streets. The 
town lay as in a dream, under some deadening spell of 
loneliness, from which I almost feared to wake it, for 
plainly it had not slept long. There was no grass growing 
up in the paved ways, rains had not entirely washed away 
the prints of dusty footsteps, yet I went about unchecked. I 
went into empty workshops, rope walks and smithies. The 
spinner's wheel was idle, the carpenter had gone from his 
work bench and shavings, his unfinished sash and casings, 
fresh bark was in the tanner's vat, and fresh chopped light 
wood stood piled against the baker's oven. The black- 
smith's shop was cold ; but his coal heap and ladling pool 
and crooked water horn were all there, as if he had just 
gone for a holiday. No work people looked to know my 
errand. If I went into the garden clinking the wicket latch 
loudly after me, to pull the marigolds, heartease and lady- 
slippers and draw a drink with the water sodden well 
bucket and its noisy chain, or, knocking off with ni}' stick 
the tall, heavyheaded dahlias and sunflowers, hunted over 
the beds for cucumbers and loveapples, no one called out 
to me from any opened window, or dog sprang forward 
to bark an alarm. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 33 

"I could have supposed the people hidden in the 
houses, but the doors were unfastened, and when, at last, 
I timidly entered them I found dead ashes white upon the 
hearths, and had to tread a tip-toe as if walking down the 
aisle of a country church, to avoid arousing irreverent 
echoes from the naked floors. 

*'0n the outskirts of the town was the city grave- 
yard, but there was no record of plague there, nor did it in 
any wise differ much from other Protestant American 
cemeteries. Some of the mounds were not long sodded; 
some of the stones were newly set. Their dates recent and 
their black inscriptions glossy in the mason's hardly dried 
lettering ink. Beyond the graveyard, out in the fields, I 
saw in one spot hard by where the fruited boughs of a 
young orchard had been roughly torn down, the still 
smouldering embers of a barbecue fire that had been con- 
structed of rails from the fencing around it. It was the 
latest signs of life there. Fields upon fields of heavy 
headed yellow grain lay rotting ungathered upon the 
ground. No one was at hand to take in their rich har- 
vest. 

"As far as the eye could reach they stretched away, 
they sleeping too, in the hazy air of autumn. Only two 
portions of the city seemed to suggest the import of this 
mysterious solitude. On the eastern suburb the houses 
looking out upon the country showed, by their splintered 
woodworks and walls battered to the foundation, that they 
had lately been a mark of destructive cannonade, and in 
and around the splendid temple, which had been the chief 
object of my admiration, armed men were barracked, sur- 
rounded by their stacks of musketry and pieces of heavy 



34 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

ordnance. ^These challenged me to render an account of 
myself and why I had the temerity to cross the water 
without a written permit from the leader of their band. 
Though these men were more or less under the influence 
of ardent spirits, after I had explained myself as a passing 
stranger, they seemed anxious to gain my good opinion. 
They told the story of the dead city — that it had been a 
notable manufacturing and commercial mart, sheltering 
over twenty thousand persons. That they had waged war 
with its inhabitants for several years, and had finally 
been successful only a few days before my visit, in an ac- 
tion fought in front of the ruined suburb, after which they 
had driven them at the point of the sword. The defense, 
they said, had been obstinate, but gave way on the third 
day's bombardment. They boasted greatly of their 
prowess, especially in this battle, as they called it. But I 
discovered they were not of one mind, as to certain of the 
exploits that had distinguished it. One of which, as I re- 
member was, that they had slain a father and his son, a 
boy of fifteen, not long a resident of the fated city, whom 
they admitted to have borne a character without re- 
proach. 

''They also conducted me inside the wall — of the 
curious temple, in which they said, the banished inhabit- 
ants were accustomed to celebrate the mystic rites of an 
unhallowed worship. They particularly pointed out to 
me certain features of the building, which having been the 
peculiar objects of a former superstitious regard, they 
had as a matter of duty sedulously defiled and defaced. 
The reputed site of certain shrines they had thus particu- 
larly noticed, and various sheltered chambers, in one of 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 35 

which was a deep well, constructed, they believed, with a 
dreadful design. Besides these, they led me to see a 
large and deep chiseled marble vase or basin, supported 
upon twelve oxen, also of marble, and of the size of life, 
of which they told some romantic stories. They said the 
deluded persons, most of whom were emigrants from a 
great distance, believed their Deity countenanced their re- 
ception here for a baptism of regeneration, as proxies for 
whomsoever they held in warm affection in the coun- 
tries from which they had come. That here parents 'went 
into the water' for their lost children, children for their 
parents, widows for their spouses, and young persons for 
their lovers. That thus the great vase came to be for 
them associated with all dear and distant memories, and 
was therefore the object, of all others, in the building, 
to which they attached the greatest degree of idolatrous 
affection. On this account the victors had so diligently 
desecrated it as to render the apartment in which it was 
contained too noisome to abide in. They permitted me 
also to ascend into the steeple to see where it had been 
lightning struck on the Sabbath before, and to look out 
east and south on wasted farms like those I had seen 
near the city, extending till they were lost in the distance. 
Here in the. face of pure day, close to the scar of divine 
wrath left by the thunderbolt, were fragments of food, 
cruses of liquor, and broken drinking vessels, with a basi- 
drum and a steamboat signal bell, of which I afterwards 
learned the use with pain. 

'Tt w^as* after nightfall when I was ready to cross the 
river on my return. The wind had freshened after sun- 
set, and the water beating roughly into my little boat, I 



36 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

headed higher up the stream than the point I had left in 
the morning, and landed where a faint glimmering light 
invited me to steer. Here among the dock and rushes, 
sheltered only by the darkness, without roof between them 
and the sky, I came upon a crowd of several hundred 
creatures, whom my movements roused from uneasy 
slumber upon the ground. Passing these on my way to 
the light I found it came from a tallow candle in a paper 
funnel shade such as is used by street vendors of apples 
and peanuts, and which flaring and fluttering' away in 
the bleak air off the water, shone flickeringly on the 
emaciated features of a man in the last stage of a bilious, 
remittent fever. They had done their best for him. Over 
his head was something like a tent made of a sheet or 
two, and he rested on a but partially ripped open old 
straw mattress, with a hair sofa cushion under his head 
for a pillow. His gaping jaw and glazing eye told how- 
short a time he would enjoy these luxuries, though a 
seemingly bewildered and excited person, who might 
have been his wife, seemed to find hope in occasionally 
forcing him to swallow awkwardly a measured sip of the 
tepid river water from a burned and battered bitter smell 
ing tin coffee pot. Those who knew better had fur- 
nished the apothecary he needed, a toothless old bald head, 
whose manner had the repulsive dullness of a man fa- 
miliar with death-scenes. He, so long as I remained, 
mumbled in his patient's ear a monotonous and mel- 
ancholy prayer, between the pauses of which I heard the 
hiccup and sobbing of two little girls who were sitting up- 
on a piece of driftwood outside. Dreadful indeed, were 
the sufferings of these forsaken beings, bowed and cramp- 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 37 

ed by cold and sun burn, alternating as each weary day 
and night dragged on. They were almost all of them, 
the crippled victims of disease. They were there be- 
cause they had no homes, nor hospitals, nor poor house, 
nor friends to offer them any. They could not satisfy 
the feeble cravings of their sick. They had not bread to 
quiet the fractious hunger cries of their children. Moth- 
ers and babes, daughters and grandparents, all of them 
alike, were bivouacked in tatters, wanting even covering 
to comfort those whom the sick shiver of fever was search- 
ing to the marrow. 

''These were the Mormons, famishing in Lee 
county, Iowa, in the fourth week of the month of Sep- 
tember, in the year of our Lord, 1846. The city, it was 
Nauvoo, Ills. The Mormons were the owners of that 
city, and the smiling country around, and those who 
stopped their plows, who had silenced their hammers 
their axes, their shuttles and their workshop wheels, those 
who had put out their fires, who had eaten their food, 
spoiled their orchards and trampled under foot their thou- 
sands of acres of unharvested grain, these were the keep- 
ers of their dwellings, the carousers in their temple, whose 
drunken riot insulted the ears of their dying. They were, 
all told, not more than six hundred forty persons who 
were thus lying on the river flats, but the Mormons in 
Nauvoo had numbered the year before over twenty thou- 
sand. Where were they? They had last been seen, 
carrying in mournful trains their sick and wounded, hall 
and blind to disappear behind the wer>tern horizon, pur- 
suing the phantom of another home. Hardly anything 



38 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

else was known of them and people asked with curiosity 
— what had been their fate, what their fortune!" 

Just a word to let the reader know of Col. Kane's 
first coming to our people. 

One day, while we were still encamped at Council 
Bluffs, a delicate-looking stranger rode up on horse- 
back. The young man was Colonel Thomas L. Kane, 
son of Judge Kane of Philadelphia, and brother of Dr. 
Kane, the celebrated Arctic explorer. Soon after reach- 
ing our camp he was stricken with fever. The best medi- 
cal talent we had watched him unceasingly; and to the 
joy of the whole camp, he recovered. Never was watch- 
ing, nursing, and praying better requited by man than he 
repaid to the Mormon people. As soon as his return- 
ing strength would allow, he hastened back east, and un- 
solicited by us delivered in his native city and in Wash- 
ington some of the most truthful, vivid life scenes of 
the suffering of our people that have ever been published. 



CHAPTER 5. 

Daniel H. Wells. — Baptism for the Dead. — Lorenzo D. Young's 
Mission. — Wilford Woodruff. — Saved by Prayer. 

The little band of one hundred twenty-five men who 
for three days defended the city of Nauvoo against iear- 
ful odds, are to me patriots and heroes, and their names 
and deeds should be handed down in history; for the 
wealth of history is the noble ideals it creates. Had 
there never been an angry Jewish mob, we should not 
have the martyr Stephen. Had there been no Gesler to 
hoist his cap on a liberty pole, there would have been 
no William Tell. Had there been no George HI., there 
would have been no Patrick Henry nor Lafayette; and 
had there been no battle of Nauvoo, we should have had 
no Daniel H. Wells, as noble a patriot, and as true a 
lover of justice and liberty, as ever lived. 

Daniel Hanmer Wells was one of the first settlers 
of Commerce, later called Nauvoo. When Joseph came 
in 1839 and bought land for the Church, Wells met the 
Prophet for the first time. He noted the intelligence and 
activity of the young leader. He (Wells) was studying 
law, and his legal attainments made him a useful man 
in the community. For several years thereafter he was 
justice of the peace, and thus became thoroughly acquaint- 
ed with the people and their history. The result was 
that when the war-cloud broke, he shouldered his gun and 
for three days fought in defense of the weak and op- 
pressed ; and when they were overpowered, rather than 
submit to the enforced humiliation, he mounted his horse, 



40 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

bade adieu to his old home, and fled to the wilderness, 
casting his lot with the exiles, and becoming one of their 
staunchest leading men. 

Now a few words about the ill-fated temple, that 
beautiful edifice which the Saints reared with so much 
love and sacrifice, and in which so many of our hopes 
and expectations centered. Like all other of our temples, 
it was erected for the benefit alike of the living and the 
dead. The Apostle Paul says, "If the dead rise not at 
all, then why are ye baptized for the dead?" Around that 
doctrine, amplified by later revelation, the Latter-day 
Saints have woven a social service that lays hold of the 
deepest affections of the heart, and in its scope is as 
broad as the ocean and as endless as eternity. 

In the sacred font of that temple in Nauvoo, parents 
were baptized for their dead children, and children for 
their dead parents. There the husband and wife were 
sealed as such for eternity, and family ties were cemented 
to last forever. In the faith of every Latter-day Saint, 
the temple was therefore the holy of holies, the most sac- 
red of all sacred places. Our enemies knew this ; and fear- 
ing, that as long as the temple stood, we might be tempted 
to return, they resolved to destroy it. 

A purse of five hundred dollars was raised by sub- 
scription and given to Joseph Agnew if he would burn 
it. On the night of October 6, 1848, Thomas C. Sharp 
and Agnew rode from Carthage to Nauvoo, twenty miles, 
and having a key to the front door, Sharp stood guard, 
while Agnew ascended to an upper floor and fired it. At 
sunrise the next morning there was nothing left but its 
four blackened walls. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 41 

Afterwards the Icarians, getting possession of the 
ruins, started, in 1850, to repair it for educational pur- 
poses; but a hurricane swept through the city and blew 
down the walls. Finally, piece by piece, the rock was 
hauled away, until not a stone was left to mark the place 
where the noble edifice once stood. 

As soon as word of the mob's treachery reached 
Winter Quarters, teams were sent back to bring up the 
suffering remnants ; and they were given all the care and 
attention possible under existing conditions. They re- 
ceived at least one comfort — they had the privilege of 
dying, if die they must, with sympathizing friends. 

And die many of them did. As previously remarked. 
Winter Quarters was the Valley Forge of Mormondom. 
Our home was near the burying ground; and I can re- 
member the small mournful-looking trains that so often 
passed our door. I also remember how poor and same- 
like our habitual diet was: corn bread, salt bacon, and 
a little milk. Mush and bacon became so nauseating that 
it was like taking medicine to swallow it ; and the scurvy 
was making such inroad amongst us that it looked as if 
we should all be "sleeping on the hill" before spring, un- 
less fresh food could be obtained. 

While we were in this condition there happened one 
of these singular events which so often flit across the 
life of a Mormon. President Young called one day at 
the door of our cabin, and said to my father : 

"Lorenzo, if you will hitch up your horses and go 
down into Missouri, the Lord will open the way, so that 
you can bring up a drove of hogs, and give the people 
fresh meat, and be a blessing to you." 



42 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

As I remember, the next day father took me in the 
wagon, and with a "spike" or three-horse team, started 
on that mission. The only recollections that I have of that 
wonderfully productive land, were given me by that 
journiey. The Mormons believe that Missouri em- 
braces, in its bounds, that portion of the earth where 
Eden stood. Adam-Ondi-Ahman, the place v/here Adam 
gathered his children and blessed them, is situated five 
miles northwest from Gallatin, on Grand river. 

I will now relate some incidents that took place on 
that trip to St. Joseph, Missouri. Soon after reaching 
the frontier settlements we camped for the night with a 
man who claimed to have been living on his ranch for 
sixteen years. The liome was rather primitive, but the 
farm must have been a good one. His bins were full of 
corn, and his horses, cows, sheep, and hogs were fine 
and fat. 

Father asked if he would sell a horse. 

''Yes, if I can get a good price for one." 

What was the grey Messenger filly worth? 

"Well, that is a good animal; a wonderful traveler," 
and he wanted a dollar a mile for every mile that he had 
driven her in a day. And though we might not believe it, 
yet it was gospel truth, that he had driven that mare in 
his spring cart, thirty-five miles from sun to sun. 

The next morning my father pulled out with a four- 
horse team. The Messenger fully proved one of the best 
animals that we ever owned. After a lapse of sixty years 
I tell this story to my children to show them the differ- 
ence of ideas about hard driving between the people of 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 43 

the woolly west and the stay-at-home farmer near St. 
Joseph. 

Upon arriving at St. Joseph we put up at Polk's 
Tavern. A Mormon family by the name of Lake had 
left Winter Quarters in search of work. One of the 
daughters had found employment at Mr. Polk's. Being 
frequently questioned, she had told much about the suf- 
ferings and the present conditions of our people. She 
knew my father w^ell, and joyfully recognized him. 

In the evening the bar room was full of gentlemen, 
all eager to learn the news and for two hours they listened 
almost breathless to father's talk. The next day parties 
approached father and offered to load him with mer- 
chandise. This he declined; but he secured the loan of 
one thousand dollars — I believe from a Jewish merchant — 
and wasted no time in getting down to business. 

The first move was to buy a forty-acre field of un- 
harvested corn. He paid four dollars an acre for the 
corn as it stood in the field. It was estimated to average 
sixty bushels to the acre. The best corn was gathered 
and put in bins. Heavy logs were then drawn crosswise 
over the field to mash down the stalks. Then a notice 
was posted for hogs. As a rule, they came in droves of 
about thirty and were bought in the bunch, at seventy-five 
cents a head. They would weigh from one hundred and 
fifty to four hundred pounds each. Father returned to 
Winter Quarters with a thousand head of hogs, and in this 
way President Young's promise to him had been realized. 

We read in the good old Bible of an angel giving 
water to Hagar and Ishmael in the desert, when the 
patriarch Abraham had sent them away ; and when Moses 



44 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

led two million Hebrew bondsmen from slavery to free- 
dom, we read of how God rained manna down from 
heaven for their sustenance, and so wrought upon the ele- 
ments, that for forty years their garments did not wax 
old. And I understand that the Hebrew children to this 
day remember with grateful hearts those special acts of 
providence. 

Now, while I do not claim for the Latter-day Saints 
manifestations so marked as these, yet was there many 
a providential help given to us. What caused the quails 
to come in such tame flocks to our suffering camps on 
the west bank of the Mississippi river? They were so 
tame that many of them were caught by little children. 
And who led the Mormon maiden to Mr. Polk's tavern, 
and inspired her tongue to utter words of deep interest 
to citizens of St. Joseph, and thus prepared the way for 
my father to bring to our camps large quantities of food 
as sweet and nutritious as the quails or manna bestowed 
so providentially upon the camps of the Hebrews in the 
land of Palestine? 

I remember well the place where I first saw Wilford 
Woodruff. It was out in the timber west of Winter 
Quarters. I was driving a yoke of oxen on a sledge, after 
a load of wood. Father and a man by the name of Camp- 
bell were chopping. The wood was oak and hickory. 
There were several men in the grove chopping, among 
them Apostle Woodruff. A cry came for help and the 
men ran together. Brother Woodruff had been caught 
by a falling tree and pinned to another one. The tree 
that imprisoned him was so heavy that the men could 
not lift it away until they had chopped it in two. 




MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG, 45 



All said his breast was crushed, and they feared 
he was dead. Nevertheless, the brethren took off their 
hats, and kneeling around him, placed their hands on 
his body and prayed. Then some quilts were placed on 
the sledge and father hauled him home. I was but a 
boy ; yet the earnestness and power of that prayer entered 
my soul, and gave me a testimony that has never left 
me.* 

I know that the brave, resolute men who left theii 
homes in Nauvoo rather than renounce their faith, were 
God-fearing men. Prayer was the balm applied by them 
for every ill. It was their comfort and solace from ev- 
ery pain. It was their first thought in the moning, and 
the last word they breathed at night. It burst from the 
lips of the father and the mother at our camp fires, or 
from the hearth stones in our humblest dugout homes. 
In case of misfortune or accident, the first thought was for 
an Elder. The admonition, of the Apostle James, as re- 
corded in the New Testament, was engraven on the 
hearts of the Latter-day Saints. "If any are sick let them 
call in the Elders of the Church, and let them pray over 
him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, 
and the prayer of faith shall save the sick." And I testi- 
fy that our hearts were often gladdened by the reception 
and fulfillment of that gracious promise. In this instance 
our hearts were again comforted. Our people were pass- 
ing through a period of sorrow and suffering. It was one 
of the darkest days in the history of the Church. Death 



♦President Woodruff's statement makes it plain that I 
am wrong. My memory has become confused. It must have been 
some other man that father hauled home. 



46 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

was reaping a rich harvest from our stricken and de- 
pleted camps. We felt keenly the giving up of five hun- 
dred of our young men. Their absence made men prec- 
ious with us, and Wilford Woodruff, being such an active, 
helpful man, how could we spare him ! That cry came from 
our hearts, and God heard our prayers and answered 
them. In three weeks' time, Wilford Woodruff was 
again on the "firing line" as active and helpful as ever. 
Thus we saw recorded another miracle to strengthen our 
faith. 



CHAPTER 6. 

Brigham's Wise Counsels. — Joseph Toronto. — Joseph Smith. — 
Seer and Organizer. — Prophecy of August 6, 1842. 

In those days of constant home changing Brigham 
was somewhat Hke the father of a large rustling family; 
everybody came to him for comfort or counsel. Perhaps 
I cannot do better than relate a few incidents to show how 
they trusted to his guidance. 

In 1845 an Italian sailor by name of Toronto, had 
saved his earnings, until he had several hundred dollars. 
But he was worried for fear he would lose it, and could 
not decide where to deposit it. On returning from a 
voyage, and just before reaching .New York, he had a 
dream in which a man stood before him, and told him to 
leave his money with "Mormon Brigham" and he should 
be blessed. 

On reaching New York, he began to inquire for 
''Mormon Brigham," but no one knew him. Finally he 
met a person who told him that Brigham Young, the 
President of the Mormon Church, lived at Nauvoo, 
III. Toronto never rested until he reached that place. 
Making his way to President Young's office, he laid the 
money on the table, and, merely asking for a receipt, 
would apparently have left without further explanation, 
if Brigham had not detained him. The money was sorely 
needed, and the act was so deeply appreciated, that the 
humble trusting man was taken to the President's home, 
and became a permanent member of the family. 



48 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

At Winter Quarters a man by name of Majors, a 
gentleman of wealth and scholarly attainments, came to 
Brigham and said that one of his thoroughbred mares 
was down from starvation and could not get up, — then 
asked it he had better not kill her. "No," replied the 
President, "never destroy life. Try to save her^ If you 
can't provide for her give her to Toronto and I will tell 
him how to provide for her." He further arranged to 
have a windlass erected, and the mare swung up. Then 
sods were cut. Of them a stable was built around her, 
and so the animal was saved. 

Afterwards I saw Brother Toronto sell a pair of her 
colts to Kinkaid of Salt Lake for seven hundred dollars. 
Moreover, Joseph Toronto, humble, untutored Italian 
sailor, became, under the wise counsels of Brigham 
Young, a man of property, raised up an honorable family, 
and gave his children a good education. 

I could relate numerous other instances coming un- 
der my notice during boyhood days, to demonstrate the 
fact that President Young, whether on the plains or in 
his office, was always accessible to the common people, 
and that his counsels, when carried out, invariably brought 
blessings. 

At Winter Quarters he was everywhere ; now at the 
bedside of the dying, next in his carriage flying perhaps 
to the scene of a prairie fire, where his calm voice might 
be heard directing the labors of his willing follo^^ers: 
counseling peace, but ever urging eternal vigilance. 

No sooner would his hands drop the critical labors of 
the moment, than his mind would turn forcefully to pre- 
paring for the onward move, which all knew would come 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 49 

in the early spring. From the various camps he selected 
the hardy, robust, and energetic men whom he wished 
to have with him in the pioneer movement that the coun- 
cil had decided should be made as soon as grass grew. 

In my frequent use of the name Brigham, I do not 
wish to convey the idea that there was only one capable 
man, only one great leader in our camps. On the con- 
trary, I consider that we had a collection of able men. 
Joseph Smith, in his short prophetical career of fifteen 
years, had not only given the Book of Mormon to the 
world, but had brought forth and established the most 
perfect church organization that we have any record of. 
In doing this he had gathered around him many able, and 
some very learned men. Among the latter were such men 
as Sidney Rigdon, Willard Richards, Lorenzo Snow, Or- 
son Spencer, Orson Pratt and Dr. Bernhisel; while of 
the former the new faith had gathered into its fold, a le- 
gion of strong, intelligent spirits, such as Brigham Young, 
Heber C, Kimball, George A. Smith, John Taylor, and 
a host of others equally honorable and worthy of men- 
tion; men who have since made notable history. These 
were now numbered* in the camps of Israel and Brigham 
Young valued their stalwart character, their sterling inte- 
grity, and their wise counsel, and honored their decisions. 

As a matter of fact, it was not President Brigham 
Young's personal superiority which gave him preeminence. 
His leadership came by calling and ordination from Jo- 
seph, and the approval of the people. Hence in Mor- 
mon theology, back of Brigham stood Joseph and the 
people, and back of Joseph stood the mighty Lord, even 
Jesus Christ, from whom came the power and influence 



50 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

that held this multitude of moving families together, and 
made it possible for one man — Brigham Young — to se- 
lect the men he desired to accompany him on the wonder- 
ful journey that still lay before them. 

Of course our people knew, or had reason to believe, 
that in Oregon there were grand rivers, and extensive 
forests, with rich intervening glades, inviting the home- 
seeker to come and take possession; but experience had 
taught us that prosperity and wealth excite jealousy, and 
invite turmoil and trouble, and so far had culminated in 
expulsion from our homes. On the other hand, the in- 
terior of California was marked on our maps as an un- 
inhabitable desert, and Brigham said : "If there is a place 
on this earth that our enemies do not want, that's the 
place I'm hunting for." 

If the reader will bear in mind that in July we had 
given a battalion of five hundred of our ablest men to fight 
our country's battles in Mexico, it will help them to real- 
ize the additional sacrifice the people would now have 
to make to fit out and part with one hundred and forty 
men for a pioneer advance guard, whose duty it would 
be to find the place where, under the blessing of God, the 
Saints might rest in peace. By parting with the battalion. 
boys, our camps were so weakened that in many instances 
mothers and children had to do the rough, out-of-door 
work of husbands and fathers ; and many of the early con- 
verts to Mormonism were from the eastern states, and 
came from homes where refinement had clustered round 
the family hearth and music and song had happified their 
lives. The strenuous nature of frontier struggles was 
consequently new to them. Nevertheless, in building up 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 51 

temporary homes at Winter Quarters, it was no strange 
thing to see the sisters hauHng logs for the cabin, or mix- 
ing and carrying mud for the chinking and daubing; and 
in the winter, when death stalked through our camps, it 
seemed that a heavy per cent of the ''called ones" were 
our strongest, bravest men; men whose places could not 
be filled, no matter how willing the substitutes were. 

.Nature seldom qualifies the woman to do the work 
of the man. There is, however, much truth m the adage, 
''\Miere there's a will there's a way," and the deeds ac- 
complished under the most trying- circumstances prove 
that the Mormon people had the will, for what, in- 
deed, is will but another name for faith? And to those 
wdio have faith, all things are possible. Only by this 
God-given power, so little known and comprehended, were 
our people enabled to cross the trackless plains, subdue 
the wilderness, and make the ''desert to blossom as the 
rose." 

Often in our public meetings the Elders would liken 
the Church to a ship, and the "Ship Zion" was no mean 
figure of speech. Let us carry it further and see her 
launched upon a boisterous, unknown sea; then let an 
emergency arise in which the captain and many of the 
ablest sailors are called away and the ropes have to be 
manipulated by inexperienced hands ; for that is exactly 
the condition we were in. 

How appropriately even we might paraphrase Nel- 
son's historical signal : "England expects every man to 
do his duty." England was not disappointed, and to this 
day the English nation is proud of the record made by 
her gallant sailors. In simple justice, that is the way the 



52 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

United States should feel toward the Mormon people; 
for never in the history of the world was a grander move- 
ment made for the establishment of liberty, than the 
exodus of the Saints from Nauvoo. Like the cutting: 
of the dykes of Holland, or the burning ot Moscow, it 
was the making of a whole-souled sacrifice, that they and 
all the children of men might receive an expansion of 
religious freedom. And, we, their descendants, have rea- 
son now to rejoice that it was the Latter-day Saints who 
were thus resisting oppression and injustice, and suffer- 
ing untold sorrows, that this nation might retain the 
proud distinction of being an asylum for the oppressed 
and down-trodden of the world. Coming generations 
will award the Mormons the just praise that is now- 
withheld from them. 

On the 6th of April, 1847, the annual Church con- 
ference was held at Winter Quarters. It lasted only one 
day, for the labor of fitting out the pioneers seemed to 
engross everybody's time. Hearts had not yet ceased 
aching over the parting with the battalion boys ; yet now 
a band of the fathers were on the eve of starting on a 
perilous journey, and the end thereof no man knew. Their 
departure would leave a poverty-stricken community of 
widows and orphans. Thoughts of that parting damp- 
ened every attempt at revelry and would have filled every 
bosom with gloom, save that we knew it was God's 
will. For a year we had been singing : 

*'In upper California, O that's the land for me — 
It lies between the mountains and the great Pacific sea. 
The Saints can be protected there, and enjoy their liberty 
In upper California, O that's the land for me." 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 53 

We furthermore recalled to mind that on the 6th 
of August, 1842, Joseph had prophesied: "You will be 
driven to the Rocky Mountains ; many will apostatize, or 
lose their lives in consequence of exposure or disease; 
yet some of you will live to go and assist in making set- 
tlements and in building cities and will see the Saints be- 
come a mighty people in the midst of the Rocky Moun- 
tains." All believed in this prophecy and rejoiced that 
it was on the verge of fulfillment. Consequently, as 
Hannah, in the gratitude of her heart, gave Samuel to 
the Lord, so these daughters of modern Israel gladly gave 
their husbands and grown-up sons to be the standard bear- 
ers of the Prophet Brigham in planting the Ensign of Zion 
in the tops of the mountains. 



CHAPTER 7. 

A Religious Commonwealth. — General Clark's Decree.— Brig- 
ham's Indian Policy. — Its Peaceable Fruits. — The Glory of 
the Immigrants' First View of The Valley. 

On April 10, 1847, that historical band of one hun- 
dred forty-three men, three women, and two children, 
known as the Mormon pioneers, started for the West, 
led by Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball. The 
story of that journey has been so often told, and our 
v/estern people are so accustomed to traveling with team, 
and camping out, that I fear my weak descriptions would 
not be interesting. But the conditions of colonizing Utah 
were so different from those of any other state of the 
union, that the history will bear repetition. 

The Latter-day Saints' founding of a common- 
wealth was actuated by almost purely religious motives 
and influences. They came West because they had to, 
or else give up their faith. As early as 1838 General 
Clark said to us, ''You must no more organize with 
Presidents and Bishops ; you must scatter out among the 
people. And if you ever get together again, I will be 
upon you, and I will not show the mercy that I have 
shown this time." 

That, in effect, was the decree of ^he Nauvoo mob. 
It was not couched in the definite words that Darius's 
decree was, but it meant, "Daniel, if you pray to the 
God of the Hebrews, we will cast you into the Lion's 
Den." The same spirit that over two thousand years 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 55 

ago decreed what the Hebrew children should worship 
was today dictating to sons of America what they should, 
and what they should not do, in matters of faith. And it 
was the loyalty of the Mormon people to God, and their 
country, that led them to travel westward over trackless 
and timberless plains. Rather than submit to this belated 
tyrrany of intolerance, on and on they came westward 
for more than a hundred days until they struck the valley 
of the Dead Inland Sea, the spot where Brigham had 
in vision seen the tent come down from Heaven, and had 
heard a voice saying, ''Here shall Israel find rest." 

But to return to the starting point. Anticipating 
that they would come into frequent contact with the In- 
dians, President Young sought earnestly to imbue the men 
with a feeling of friendship toward the Red Man. He 
pointed out that from the first coming of the white man 
to America the Indian had been pushed off his lands, his 
game had been wasted, and feelings of hatred had been 
fostered until the dictum had been reached that no In- 
dian is a good Indian until he is dead. 

"We shoot them down as we would a dog. Now, 
this is all wrong, and not in harmony with the spirit 
of Christianity. In only one instance, that of Williarn 
Penn, has Christian treatment been accorded them. But 
even aside from the aspect of Christian duty, I am 
satisfied it will be cheaper to feed them, than to fight 
them." 

Such was ever Brigham's policy thereafter. In later 
years the annual passing of thousands of our people in 
peace through the lands of the Sioux, the Shoshones, and 
Utes, gave to the world the belief that the Mormons 



56 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R, YOUNG. 

were in collusion with and had secret treaties with the 
Indians. Such, however, was not the case. Our friend- 
ship with them was the natural outgrowth of following the 
wise counsel given to us in those early days. Light 
cleaveth to light, and love begets love as readily in the 
heart of a heathen as in the bosom of a Christian. 

As an illustration of this fact I may relate a little inci- 
dent in my own life. My father and my younger brother, 
a lad of five years, went with the advance company of 
pioneers. My brother Franklin W. and I followed in 
Jedediah M. Grant's company. On Ham's Fork, near 
Fort Bridger, a cow gave out, and I was left behind the 
train to try to bring her into camp. At sunset, while 
about three miles behind the camp, letting the cow rest, 
I saw an Indian just across the creek move from behind 
a tree. Needless to say I made quick tracks toward camp. 

In the morning we found that the Indians had killed 
the cow. It proved to be a band of Sioux, on the war 
path after Shoshones. Had they been angry at us, they 
could have killed me as well as the cow, — Brigham's 
counsel was bearing fruit. Neither my scalp, nor our 
cattle, beyond that one cow, were interfered with, while 
Fort Bridger was heavily raided. 

To me the migration of our people for the next 
twenty years was a wonderful history. Our companies of- 
ten scattered far apart in order to get feed for the cattle ; 
our men, weak in numbers and but poorly armed; our 
women and children often compelled to walk, and there- 
fore, sometimes quite unconsciously going too far ahead 
to be safe, or, in spite of the vigilance of the guards, be- 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 57 

coming weary and lagging behind, yet not a single life 
was lost by the hand of the Indians. 

Again the cheerfulness with which the people passed 
under the rod during these unparalleled journeys was 
no less marvelous than the protecting providence that 
was over them. Picture in your mind starting out on a 
certain morning, in company with five hundred men, 
women, and children. We walk eight or ten miles, then 
halt for dinner. Five hundred head of cattle have to 
be unyoked, watered, then driven to pasture and guarded, 
wixile fires are built and dinner is being prepared. Then 
the cattle are reyoked, the wagons packed, and the line of 
travel is taken up again. 

Thousands of our people, many of them mothers 
with babes in their arms, walked every foot of that ten 
hundred thirty-seven mile stretch frcfm Winter Quarters 
to Salt Lake. Day after day the toilsome journey is re- 
newed. At night a quilt or blanket is spread upon moth- 
er earth for a resting place. Days pass into weeks, and 
weeks into months, before the longing eyes find rest and 
the weary feet pass down the dusty road of Emigration 
Canyon. Picture then, their feelings, when, on reaching 
a certain eminence, the Salt Lake Valley, with the Dead 
Sea glimmering beyond, burst like a vision of glory upon 
their view ! Old and young break down, and weep for 
joy. 

O, marvel not, dear reader, if on this day and place 
Unbidden tears bedew each care-worn, sun-burnt face ! 
If long enshrined hope, and over-burdened heart 
Cause weary, toiling pilgrims here to act the childish 
part, 



58 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

If the glory of this vision, of a truly "sought out land," 
Like a cloud of joy descending, enshroud the little band, 
Reveal to them the blessings their future life shall gain, 
And blurs the recollections of former toils and pain — 
Recall the days of sorrows, of Diahman, and Far West, 
When the cup of bitter anguish to their trembling lips 

was pressed, 
When hordes of heartless mobbers, led by Lucas, and by 

Clark, 
Despoiled them of their homes — -the fruits of honest work ; 
Confined in chains and dungeons their youthful prophet 

guide — 
And scattered wives and children on Missouri's prairie 

wide. 
Then like a bird of plunder, followed on their footsore 

trail 
Till Joseph and Hyrum were martyred, in Carthage 

bloodstained jail. 
And still the lash and fire brand, to our backs and home.> 

applied, 
Compelled us to surrender, and cross the Mississippi's 

tide, 
Take to our tents and travel, like Israel of old. 
To the valleys of the mountains, a standard to unfold, 
An ensign to the nations, a banner ever blest — 
Where the children of the covenant can find God-given 

rest, 
Where the ''stone cut from the mountain," not by mortal 

hand. 
Shall become a mighty people, and fill "the promised 

land." 
Such was the glorious vista that opened to their souls 
And filled with joy and gladness, their hearts beyond con- 
trol, 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 59 

Filled hearts with joy and gratitude, and bent each will- 
ing knee, 

To Him, their loving Father, the Lord who set them 
free. 



CHAPTER 8. 

Mormon Stalwarts.— A Waif on the Plaihs. — Death of Celestla 
Kimball. — Two Undian \Girl^ Tortured. — Sally's Death. — 
Ira Eldredge's Dog and the Wolf. — Delicious Rawhide Soup. 
— Eat Thistles.' — The Devastating CricMets. — ^Deliverance 
Wrought by the Sea Gulls. 

Having foreshadowed the immigration movement 
in general, I turn back to the parting at Winter Quarters. 
Owing to the poverty of our people, and to the lack of 
men, conditions were such that in making up the Pioneer 
Company many families were divided. Such was the 
case in my father's family. My dear mother, poor in 
health, was left behind with my only sister, Harriet, to 
follow several years later. 

It fell to my lot to cross the plains in Captain Jede- 
diah M. Grant's company. Brother Grant was a man of 
wonderful energy. In fact, the various companies which 
followed on the heels of the pioneers were led by a host 
of stalwarts; so that in my youth I became acquainted 
with many solid men of Joseph's day. Foremost among 
them, to my mind, were Brigham Young, John Taylor. 
Geo. A. Smith, Parley P. Pratt, Uncle John Smith, and 
Uncle John Young. 

The last-named stood as a father to me ; and yet, 
during that pilgrimage I was like a waif upon the ocean. 
The camp fire was my home, and I was everybody's 
chore boy. While this arrangement taught me self-re- 
liance, it chilled my heart, and turned me against those 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 61 

finer, more tender endearments of life which ever abound 
in happy, lovable homes : and from this experience I have 
learned to pity the child that grows up without a moth- 
er's care and caress. 

On reaching the Valley, our people at first all lived 
in the *'01d Fort." Father was the first to move out. 
He had built a two-roomed log house on the lot where 
Uncle Brigham later built the Bee-Hive and Lion 
Houses. 

On one of father's trips to the canyon for wood, he 
took me with him. As we returned, we saw Apostle John 
Taylor and George Q. Cannon running a whip saw. They 
gave father a red-pine slab, which he hauled home and 
later placed across City Creek, and it remained in use 
for years as a foot bridge. It lay with the round side 
up, and after the bark peeled off, it became very slippery, 
especially when wet. 

After Presidents Young and Kimball moved onto 
their lots the path leading to this footbridge connected 
their homes. One day Aunt Prescinda Kimball's little 
daughter Celestia, unknown to her mother, started to go 
to Aunt Zina's. It was in the spring of the year, 1850 
and City Creek was swollen by the melting snows. The 
child evidently slipped off the slab and was drowned. 

As soon as the family missed her, a cry of alarm was 
given. I was confined to the house with a painful flesh 
would in my left leg. Hearing the tumult, and seeing the 
excited people running along the creek, I surmised what 
had happened. Running to the slab, I dropped into the 
water and was carried by the swift current to Brother 
Wells' lot, where the fence had caught flood wood, and 



62 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

formed a clam and eddy. I dove under the drift, and 
finding the body, brought it to the surface, and gave it 
to Dr. WiUiams ; but the precious life was gone. 

Soon after we moved on to our city lot, fall of 1847, 
a band of Indians camped near us. Early one morning 
we were excited at hearing their shrill, blood-curdling 
war whoop, mingled with occasional sharp cries of pain. 
Father sent me to the Fort for help. Charley Decker 
and Barney Ward, the interpreter, and others hurried to 
the camp. 

• It was Wanship's band. Some of his braves had 
just returned from the war-path. In a fight with ''Little 
Wolf's" band, they lost two men, but had succeeded in 
taking two girls prisoners. One- of these they had killed, 
and were torturing the other. To save her life Charley 
' Decker bought her, and took her to our house to be wash- 
ed and clothed. 

She was the saddest-looking piece of humanity I 
have ever seen. They had shingled her head with butcher 
knives and fire brands. All the fleshy parts of her 
body, legs, and arms had been hacked with knives, then 
fire brands had been stuck into the wounds. . She was 
gaunt with hunger, and smeared from head to foot with 
blood and ashes. 

After being washed and clothed, she was given to 
President Young- and became as one of his family. They 
named her Sally, and her memory has been perpetuated 
by the ''Courtship of Kanosh, a Pioneer Indian Love 
Story," written by my gifted cousin, Susa Y. Gates. 

But Susa gave us only the courtship, while the end- 
ing of Sally's life, as told to me by a man from Kanosh. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. . 63 

was as tragic as her childhood days had been thrilhng. 
After she married Kanosh, several years of her life passed 
pleasantly, in the white man's house which he built for 
her. Then her Indian husband took to himself another 
wife, who became jealous of Sally, and perhaps hated 
her also for her white man's ways. 

One day when they were in a secluded place digging 
segoes, the new wife murdered Sally and buried the body 
in a gully. 

When Kanosh missed her, he took her track and 
followed it as faithfully as a blood hound could have 
done, and was not long in finding the grave. In his 
grief he seized the murderess, and would have burned 
her at the stake, but white men interfered. 

In due time the Indian woman confessed her guilt, 
and in harmony with Indian justice, offered to expiate her 
crime by starving herself to death. 

The offer was accepted, and on a lone hill in sight 
of the village, a ^'wick-i-up" was constructed of dry 
timber. Taking a jug of water, the woman walked si- 
lently tow^ard her living grave. Like the rejected swan, 
alone, unloved, in low tones she sang her own sad re- 
quiem, until her voice was hushed in death. One night 
when the evening beacon fire was not seen by the villag- 
ers, a runner was dispatched to fire the wick-i-up, and 
retribution was complete. 

Sally's funeral had taken place only a day or two 
previous. Over a hundred vehicles followed the remains 
to their last resting place, and beautifully floral wreaths 
covered the casket; for Sally had been widely loved 
among the white settlers for her gentle ways. 



64 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

Just across the creek on Brother Kimbairs unoccu- 
pied lot stood an old gnarled oak tree. Ten feet from 
the ground a large limb shot straight out, making a good 
gallows on which to hang beeves, and father used it for 
that purpose. The first ox that he slaughtered he hung 
the hide, flesh side out, on that limb; and it attracted 
dogs from the Fort, and wolves from the mountain. 
Father set two steel traps at the root of the tree, and dur- 
ing the first night caught a large grey wolf in one trap, 
and Ira Eldredge's spotted mastiff in the other. 

About midnight we heard their terrible fighting ; 
but in the morning the wolf was gone. He had chewed 
his own leg off below the knee. After liberating the 
mastiff, I went to the fort, and got Ham Crow to come 
with his dogs and run the wolf dowm. We caught the 
ugly brute in the mouth of Red Butte Canyon; and 
Brother Crow added the carcass to his scant store of pro- 
visions, and grateful for it. 

By the time the grass began to grow the famine had 
waxed sore. For several months we had no bread. Beef, 
milk, pig-w^eeds, segoes, and thistles formed our diet. I 
was the herd boy, and while out watching the stock, I 
used to eat thistle stalks until my stomach would be as 
full as a cow's. At last the hunger was so sharp that 
father took down the old bird-pecked ox-hide from thv 
limb ; and it was converted into most delicious soup, and 
enjoyed by the family as a rich treat. 

As the summer crept on, and the scant harvest drew 
nigh, the fight with the crickets commenced. Oh, how 
we fought and prayed, and prayed and fought the myriads 
of black, loathsome insects that flowed down like a flood 



MEMOIRS O-F JOHN R, YOUNG. 65 

of filthy water from the mountainside. And we should 
surely have been inundated, and swept into oblivion, save 
for the merciful Father's sending of the blessed sea gulls 
to our deliverance. 

The first I knew of the gulls, I heard their sharp 
cry. Upon looking up, I beheld what appeared like a 
vast flock of pigeons coming from the northwest. It was 
about three o'clock in the afternoon. My brother Frank- 
lin and I were trying to save an acre of wheat of fath- 
er's, growing not far from where the Salt Lake Theatre 
now stands. The wheat was just beginning to turn yel- 
low. The crickets would climb the stalk, cut off the 
head, then come down and eat it. To prevent this, my 
brother and I each took an end of a long rope, stretched 
it full length, then walked through the grain holding the 
rope so as to hit the heads, and thus knock the crickets 
off. From sunrise till sunset we kept at this labor; for 
as darkness came the crickets sought shelter, but with 
the rising of the sun they commenced their ravages again. 

I have been asked "how numerous were the gulls." 

There must have been thousands of them. Their 
coming was like a great cloud ; and when they passed 
between us and the sun, a shadow covered the field. I 
could see the gulls settling for more than a mile around 
us. They were very tame, coming within four or five 
rods of us. 

At first we thought that they, also, were after the 
wheat, and this thought added to our terror ; but we soon 
discovered that they devoured only the crickets. Need- 
less to say, we quit drawing the rope, and gave our gentle 
visitors the possession of the field. As I remember it, 



66 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG, 

the gulls came every morning for about three weeks, 
when their mission was apparently ended, and they ceas- 
ed coming. The precious crops were saved. 

I have met those who vv^ere skeptical about the gulls' 
being sent by divine Providence, for the salvation of our 
people, but I believe it most firmly; as witness the 
preparedness of the Indians. They kept on hand baskets 
purposely made to put in the. creeks to catch the loath- 
some insects as they floated down the streams, and they 
caught them by tons, sun-dried them, then roasted them, 
and made them into a silage that would keep for months. 
Their skill in this convinces me that the coming of the 
crickets had been continuous for ages. ,Nor had the 
cricket crop ever been interrupted before until our peo- 
ple came, and the coming of the gulls checked the increase 
of the loathsome insects. The gulls were sent by the same 
Power that sent the quails to feed the Israelites. 

Do I love the sea gulls? I never hear their sharp, 
shrill cry but my heart leaps with joy and gladness, for 
I know that they saved my father's family and his people 
from a fearful death. Bless the gulls! They and the 
lovely sego lilies should ever be remembered, protected, 
and sacredly cherished by the children of the Latter-day 
Saints. 



CHAPTER 9. 

My First Mission. — Uncle Brigham's Counsel. — Parley P. Pratt, 
Teacher and Orator. — My First View of the Ocean. — San 
Francisco. — Tracting the City.^ — Scrap with a Hotel Keep- 
er. — Labor as a Cook in the Home of Mr. McClain. — The 
Man Who Murdered Parley P. Pratt. 

In 1854, at the April Conference in Salt Lake City, 
I was appointed a mission to the Sandwich Islands. I 
was then in my sixteenth year, and with my overcoat on 
I weighed, on Father Neff's mill scales, just ninety-six 
pounds. On the 4th of May I started on my mission ; 
George Speirs, Simpson M. Molen, Washington B. Ro- 
gers, and I having fitted up a four-horse team with which 
we traveled across the desert to San Bernardino. In our 
company were Joseph F. Smith, then in his fifteenth 
year, John T. Caine, Edward Partridge, William W. 
Cluff, Ward E. Pack, Silas, and Silas S. Smith, and some 
others. 

Parley P. Pratt was president of the company. 

We traveled as far as Cedar City in President Brig- 
ham Young's company, among whom were my brotlier 
Joseph W., and my Uncle Joseph, and my father. At 
Cedar City I was ordained a Seventy by my brother 
Joseph W. Before the company started westward, Urcle 
Brigham, in bidding me goodby said : 

"Johnny, I will give you a little advice. Be humble. 
Live near the Lord. Keep yourself pure from sin. Do 
not tell the people that you are unlearned ; it will only 
weaken their faith. Avoid public discussions. I have 



68 MEMOIRS OF. JOHN R. YOUNG. 

noticed that they engender feelings of bitterness and sel- 
dom do good. Never tell all that you know at once ; 
keep back something to talk about the next time. Be 
careful to say nothing but what you can prove." 

President Kimball said, "Your name is no longer 
Johnny, but Rooter ; for you shall root up iniquity where- 
ever you find it." Uncle Joseph Young said, ''Be of good 
cheer. Great trees from little acorns grow, and you will 
grow to be a man yet." My father and brother Joseph 
added their blessing ; and with a swelling heart, I turned 
to face the world, as a Mormon missionary boy. 

Cedar City was our southern frontier settlement. 
From there to San Bernardino the country was almost an 
unknown desert. At Rio Virgin, Muddy, Las Vegas 
Springs, and Mohave were small bands of hostile, thieving 
Indians ; but a watchful pacific policy carried us safely 
through. 

While walking on those deserts, I formed an attach- 
ment for Apostle Parley P. Pratt that has never died. 
In conversation he was pure and intelligent; and he ex- 
celled as a faith-promoting teacher, while as an orator 
he had, to me, no superior in the Church. 

Upon arrival at San Bernardino, we were warmly 
welcomed by Presidents Amasa M. Lyman and Charles 
C. Rich, and also by the colony of Saints. We rested 
there for three weeks. I made my home with Elder 
Addison Pratt. Sister Pratt and her amiable daughters 
were very kind to me. 

As soon as we had disposed of our outfits, we moved 
on ; the Saints kindly furnishing teams to haul us eighty 
miles to San Pedro, where I first saw the blue ocean, 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 69 

and sensed for the first time the rotundity of the earth 
by looking upon that vast expanse of oval water. Here 
we took passage on a sailing vessel for San Francisco, 
entering the bay in the night. I remember, when I came 
on deck in the morning, how amazed I was at the sight 
of the great forest of masts, and city built along the 
beach on piles, or stretching sparsely over the sand 
ridges. 

In a few days President Pratt called a council, and 
the missionaries gave all their money to help buy the 
ship Rosalind, with the understanding that she would 
carry us free to our fields of labor. The idea was, that 
she would be an ''Order-of-Enoch" ship, devoted to Zion's 
cause. I was young and thoughtless, hence I can say 
but little about the matter. It was, however, an unfort- 
unate investment, for the hired captain ran away with 
the ship, and we lost our passage money. After our 
hopes had thus winged their flight to lands unknown, 
we missionaries went out among the farmers hunting 
work to earn money to take us to the islands. As I was 
too small for a harvest hand. President Pratt set me to 
tracting the city. I went from house to house leaving 
tracts, and offering to sell Church books. At that time 
there was a bitter feeling towards our people, and I met 
with much ill treatment. 

One day I met a man by the name of Crump, re- 
cently from Michigan. As he passed through Salt Lake 
valley enroute to the gold mines, he had rested a few 
days at father's; and now he was cook at a large hotel. 
He asked me to come in and rest until he had served din- 



70 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

tier. I sat at a table in the kitchen by an open window, 
reading. 

Presently the proprietor came in and looked at my 
basket. I arose and invited him to buy a Book of Mor- 
mon. With an oath he grabbed the basket and started 
to throw it into the furnace. I held on, and began plead- 
ing with him, when he suddenly let go of the basket, and 
grappling- me, swore he would throw me out of the win- 
dow. I clinched with him and threw him on his back, and 
held him until the boarders came in and pulled me off. 

The rough, big-hearted men were so amused, that I 
had to go into the dining hall and eat dinner with them. 
Then they bought all my books ; and for the first and 
only time I went back to the office with an empty basket 
and a well-filled purse. Brother Pratt was so pleased 
with my bit of experience, that he released me from tract- 
ing. My first sacrifice had been accepted. 

While making my home in San Francisco, I had been 
kindly cared for by a Sister Evans, a widow lady. I also 
made the acquaintance of Sister Eleanor McLain, an in- 
telligent, energetic, but over-zealous woman, who had 
recently been baptized by Elder William McBride. 

The morning after my release from tracting, I took 
my carpet bag, walked down to the ferry, and paid a dol- 
lar for a ticket to Oakland, intending to hunt work among 
the farmers. As the boat was on the eve of pushing off, 
I saw Elder McBride hurrying down the street waving 
his hat. I stepped on shore, when he told me that I must 
come back at once, as Parley had a mission for me. Up- 
on reaching the office I was told by Brother Pratt that 
McLain was making arrangements to send his wife to 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 71 

the insane asylum because she had joined the Church, 
and my mission was to prevent his doing so. He then 
placed his hands upon my head, and blessing me, said that 
McLain should never harm a hair of my head. The 
spirit and power of that blessing gave me more than 
natural strength and courage; and I at once commenced 
my labor. 

It occurred to me that if I could get to talk to Mc- 
Lain and his wife, I could bring about a reconciliation. 
After repeated calls, I persuaded him to hire me as cook 
in the family. Every day for a month, I dusted his 
room, made up his bed, handled the revolver with which 
he was going to kill the Mormon Elder who should 
dare to call at his home. During evenings I would read 
aloud selections from the Bible, and pray with the fam- 
ily; and as David played upon his harp to sooth Saul in 
his angry moods, so God gave to me, child though I was. 
power to soothe that wicked man, and drive the evil 
spirit 'from his abode. 

At the end of a month, having been told by some- 
one that I was a Mormon Elder, he rushed into the 
house like a madman, and in x fearful voice shouted : 
"Were you not a child, I would kill you." 

I reminded him that he claimed to be a minister of 
the Gospel. (He was acting temporarily in that^ capacity 
in the Unitarian Church). He quieted down enough 
to get his Bible, and said he would prove to me that 
there was not to be any more revelation, and that lay- 
ing on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost was 
blasphemy. But his hands trembled, and he could not 
find the passages. 



72 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

I read to him the words of Peter on the day of 
Pentecost, 'Tor the promise is unto you, and unto your 
children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as 
the Lord, our God, shall call." He then sprang from 
the table, went into an adjoining room, came back and, 
giving me forty dollars in gold, my month's wages, dis- 
missed me. 

I had thus filled my second mission, — had turned 
the shaft of madness from Sister McLain, had earned 
my passage money, and Parley's blessing on my head had 
been realized. 



CHAPTER 10. 

Sail for the Islands. — At Honolulu I Labor in Tin Shop. — M> 
First Kanaka Meal — At Home. With Kiama. — Attend Native 
Funeral. — Meet Mir. Emerson. — Three Days Without Food. 
— Saved by a Donkey. — Lose My Eye-sight. — Receive a Glo- 
rious Vision. 

On August 29, 1854, I sailed for the Sandwich 
Islands. The voyage was long and disagreeable, espe- 
cially as I was sea-sick all the way. How glad I was 
when we reached the sunny, coral-reefed Islands ! 

At first I as appointed to labor at Honolulu in 
President Phillip B. Lewis's tin shop. I was useful in 
running errands and in collecting bills. There was a 
brisk demand for our goods, and our trade was helpful 
to the mission in its poverty. 

But I was not satisfied : I had no love for tinkering. 
On the contrary, feeling that I had been sent to preach 
the Gospel, I desired above all things to begin my mission ; 
and though I made no complaint, I prayed to the Lord 
about it. As my health was failing, the brethren finally 
released me from the tin shop, and appointed me to la- 
bor in the Oahu conference under the presidency of Elder 
John S. AVoodbury. 

Having obtained two horses. President Woodbury 
and I started on a visit to Waialua, a large settlement 
on the north side of the island forty miles from Hono- 
lulu. For thirteen miles we passed a continuous string 
of villages, including the residence of a high chief, who 



74 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

hailed lis, and asked if I was the son of the Prophet 
Brigham Young. I told him my father was the prophet's 
youngest brother. 

"Well then," said he, ''you are the prophet's son, 
and you must stay with me tonight." 

Our horses were soon cared for, and he directed his 
people to cook a chicken. They caught a Shanghai rooster, 
and commenced plucking the feathers before killing. I 
took the chicken and wrung its neck. Brother AA^ood- 
bury mildly cautioned me not to be particular, and espe- 
cially not to meddle with their affairs, adding, ''When in 
Rome, you should do as the Romans do." I thanked him, 
and profited by the admonition. 

When supper was announced, the rooster came on 
to the table, "pin-feathers and all." I was hungr}^, and 
with difficulty kept from crying. It was my first genu- 
ine Kanaka meal. 

President AA'oodbury stayed a few days at W^aialua, 
held a meeting, arranged for me to live with Kiama, the 
priest presiding over the little branch, then returned to 
Honolulu, and I was left alone among the natives. 

About a week after this, a woman of the neighbor- 
ing families died; and attracted, by the wild wailing, I 
visited the family, saw them wrap the body in kapa, their 
home-made paper cloth, then sew it up in a mat, which 
prepared it for burial. I next followed the mourners to 
the burying ground, where I met their minister, the Rev. 
Mr. Emerson. He was a venerable-looking man. and L 
being young, unsuspecting of evil, and feeling kindly to- 
ward all men, shook hands with him, and told him who 
I was. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 75 

I saw him draw Kiama aside, and noticed that he 
talked angrily to him. That evening I had no supper, 
and in the morning, no breakfast. For the next three 
days I got no food save as I helped myself from the 
neighbors when I would see them eating. Resolving to 
leave Kiama's, I went to our grass-thatched, floorless 
meetinghouse, pulled some grass, and placmg it in one 
corner, made a rude bed. At night I would button my 
coat about me and lie down till too cold to sleep, when I 
would get up and run until warm, then go to bed again. 

But such a life could not continue. Extreme hunger 
at last conquered me ; and taking my carpet bag, I started 
for Honolulu. But when I came to the bridge that spanned 
the stream south of the village, I stopped, overpowered 
with the thought that I would rather die than back out 
from my mission. 

Sitting down on the ends of the planks, I looked into 
the muddy stream, and wondered, if I fell in and were 
drowned, whether it would be a sin. Then I felt ashamed, 
and picking up my sack, went up the creek to a grove, 
where I knelt down and prayed. Needless to say I soon 
felt cheered and strengthened ; and retracing my steps, I 
came back to the bridge where I met a Kanaka leading a 
donkey loaded with oranges. There was a ring in the ani- 
mal's nose, and a rope tied to it with which to lead it. 

As the native started up the short, steep hill on the 
north side of the creek, the donkey refused to go. The 
man commenced swearing in English, and holding the 
brute with his left hand, stoned it mercilessly with the 
right. 

I asked him why he swore, and why he was so cruel 



76 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

to his donkey. He replied: ''Don't all white men swear? 
And I'd like to see you get him up the hill without ston- 
ing him." 

I took the rope, wiped the blood from the donkey's 
head, patted it gently on the neck, when it followed me 
eagerly up the hill. 

The Kanaka was both surprised and pleased; and 
taking me to his home up among the orange groves, 
treated me kindly until President Woodbury came and 
provided me with another place. 

I was next transferred to Waianae, to live with a 
native by the name of Kaholokahiki. The village is built 
on a treeless plain near the beach. In order to avoid 
the fleas, it was my wont to sit out of doors when not at 
work. Here the strong refraction from the sea and white 
strand sO strongly affected my eyes that in a short time 
I was nearly blind. The family were kind to me, but 
insisted that my room be darkened, and that I stay indoors 
until I should be better. But I was restless under con- 
finement, and planned that when the monthly fast-day 
came, I would plead with the Lord until He should heal 
my eyes. 

It was arranged for the Saints to go on fast-day to 
the mountains ; the women to weave mats, the men to 
gather pili grass to thatch the meetinghouse. As soon, 
therefore, as the family was gone, I fastened the doors, 
and commenced praying. I was faint from fasting, but I 
continued my pleadings until a glorious vision was given 
me. 

I saw Joseph and Hyrum Smith coming from the 
north. When they came to the gate that opened into the 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 77 

yard of our house, Joseph said: "Let us call in here." In- 
stantly the house was filled with light, and they were 
standing in the room. I sprang to my feet and reached 
out my hand to shake hands with Joseph ; but he moved 
his hand away. I thought he was displeased; but he 
smiled and said: "Hyrum will bless you." I saw Hyru<a 
hold his hands above my head, and rays of light came 
from the palms of his hands and rested on my head: 
"Be of good cheer; you shall be healed, and you shall 
speedily learn the language and do a good work. Now 
do not worry any more." 

They then passed out of the west door and moved 
southward ; and when I came to myself, I was standing out 
of doors, on the west side of the house, weeping with joy. 
My eyes were healed, and when the Saints came home, 
I went capering like a freed colt, from house to house 
bearing testimony, as best I could, to the truth of Mor- 
monism. I soon began visiting the Saints in the different 
branches, asking blessings and praying with the fam- 
ilies in the native tongue. 

On the 30th of April, 1855 — my eighteenth birthday 
— I visited Elder William W. Cluff at Laie, and spent a 
week with him. We received an invitation to hold meet- 
ing in a Catholic village. Taking a native elder with us, 
we visited the settlement and held services in the chief's 
large dwelling house. After singing and prayer, we in- 
vited this elder to preach. He was a Lahalna Luna — a 
graduate of the Lahaina High School, and an eloquent 
and fluent speaker. He undertook to explain Daniel's 
vision of the setting up of God's Kingdom, in the last 



78 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

days, and made a sad failure of it. The people hissed 
and groaned until he sat down. 

What were we to do ? Brother Cluf f read the third 
chapter (^of Matthew and commented on the baptism of the 
Savior. While he was talking, I was earnestly praying 
that our visit might not be a failure. When he finished 
speaking, I arose and quoted the sixteenth verse of the 
sixteenth chapter of Mark : ''H^ that believeth and is bap- 
tized shall be saved." I talked for one hour. The spirit 
of the Lord rested upon me in mighty power. The hearts 
of the people were touched. At the close of the meeting, 
we walked down to the river, and I baptized eight per- 
sons. 

Previous to this, at Honolulu, I had baptized a white 
man, Collins E. Flanders; but I looked upon these eight 
souls as the first fruits given me in the ministry. 

After the confirmations had been attended to, I was 
invited to preach the next Sunday in the Presbyterian 
church at Laie, where Brother Cluff was laboring. I ac- 
cepted the invitation, and having studied hard, I went out 
into the woods by myself and preached until I knew a 
sermon by heart. On Saturday President Woodbury, El- 
ders John T. Caine, and S. E. Johnson came from Hono- 
lulu, forty miles, to attend the meeting. 

On Sunday the church was crowded to overflowing. 
I tried to speak but could not. There seemed a dark 
cloud suspended before me. I came near fainting, and had 
to catch hold of the pulpit to keep from falling. Turning 
to President Woodbury, I confessed that I had sinned in 
taking glory to myself; and said if he would preach and 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 79 

the Lord would forgive me, I would never sin in that 
way again. I believe I have kept that promise. 

After being nearl}^ a year on Oahu, I was appointed 
to Hilo, Hawaii, where I labored six months, under the 
presidency of my cousin, Henry P. Richards. I was then 
called to preside over the Molokai conference. I labored 
alone five months on that Island. Here let me quote from 
my journal, dated Wednesday, April 16, 1856 : 

''At Lahaina, Maui, at 8 a. m., I parted with the 
brethren, and sailed in Opuus Canoe for Molokai. Elders 
Richards and Cluff walked with me to the beach and 
waited to see me off. The wind was blowing hard from 
the southeast; and as soon as we passed the north end 
of Maui it increased to a gale. 

''We were carried westward beyond our proper land- 
ing, and as we neared the shore of Molokai, the surf ran 
so high that the canoe was capsized, and I was rolled for 
a quarter of a mile over the coral reef, and finally reached 
shore ha;lf drowned, but not a bone broken. When 
Apostle John Taylor set me apart for my mission, he said, 
'you shall be cast upon the bosom of the sea; but be not 
afraid, for the hand of God shall be over you, and you 
shall return in safety to your father's home.' Surely there 
is a spirit in man that revealeth things that are to come. 

"Friday, April 25, 1856. Attended meeting in the 
Calvinist Church. Asked permission to preach, was re- 
fused. 

April 30, 1856 — My nineteenth birthday. I was alone 
on Molokai. I started early on horseback for Kaluakoi, 
the place selected by the government as the prison colony 
for lepers. At noon, reached Paakea, and had two Irish 



80 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

potatoes for dinner. I crossed Mauna-Loa, (high moun- 
tain) from whence I could'see the islands of Maui, Lanai, 
and Oahu. At sundown I reached Kaluakoi, a small fish- 
ing village on a lava flat. 

^'In the house where I lodged, the fleas were so thick 
that I went out and slept on the beach, — a beautiful moon- 
light night. 

Saturday, June 21, 1856. Just as the morn- 
ing star made its appearance, I arose and started with 
Brother Luu in a whale boat for Pele Kunu (burning 
hole), where we landed at ten a. m. I was very sick 
while on the water. I always suffer in these boat rides ; 
they turn me inside out, hence I dread them. 

"Sunday, June 22, I obtained a private house and 
held two meetings. All the comrhunity attended, wonder- 
ing how one who had been so short a time on the islands 
could talk so well in their language. I told them it was a 
gift from God, and not by my own wisdom. 

"Monday, June 23, on foot, and alone, I found i.ay 
way over the mountain through the tangled, trailless 
forest to Waialua, my headquarters." 

The above is a fair sample of my labors while on 
Molokai. A wave of indifference to religious matters 
was sweeping over the islands. It was with difficulty 
that I could obtain food, and several times I worked for 
twenty-five cents a day to get money to pay the postage 
on my letters. During those days of loneliness, one of 
my most valued correspondents was Elder John T. Calne. 
I copy herewith a part of one of his last letters to me : 

"July 30, 1856. Dear Brother Young : I Believe I told 
you in a former letter, my intentions relative to returning 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG, 81 

home. I am on the eve of departing, if the Lord will ; and 
I could not feel justified in leaving without dropping you 
a line, just to say, Aloha. Brother John, goodby; and 
may the Lord bless you and qualify you for every duty 
you may be called to perform. And when you have done 
your share here, may He return you in safety to Zion, is 
the prayer of your brother and friend, — John T. Caine." 
I love these expressions of good will from bright, in- 
telligent, pure-minded men. May peace go with him, and 
I know it will. 



CHAPTER 11. 

On Oahu Again. — John Hyde's Apostasy. — I Mieet Him in 
the Presbyterian Church. — At Waialua. 

On October 6, 1856, all the Elders of the mission met 
in conference at Wailuku, island of Maui. Here I met 
my brother Franklin W. and John Brown, an old play- 
mate. They had just arrived from Zion. Our conference 
was a truly happy one. I was appointed to labor on Oahu, 
under the presidency of Edward Partridge. 

October 12, 1856, with a large company of Elders, 
I walked over the mountain, forty miles, without water, to 
Lahaina, getting there at 3 a. m. At 4 p. m. Elders 
Pack, Brown, Thurston, Cluff, Alma L. Smith, and 
Franklin W. Young sailed on the Manuokawai (ocean 
bird) for Hawaii, their field of labor for the next six 
months. At sunset President Partridge and Elder West 
and I sailed on the John Boyle for Honolulu. We went 
deck passage at two dollars each. The schooner being 
large, and having but few passengers, we were not crowd- 
ed into a jam, as often happened. She was also dry on 
deck so we were quite comfortable. 

On October 14th, at 8 a. m., having reached Hono- 
lulu, we learned that Elder John Hyde was in the city. For 
some reason he had not reported his arrival. On Friday, 
October 17, 1856, an article from John Hyde appeared 
in the Polynesia, slandering the Latter-day Saints. I 
therefore called on him demanding his Church recom- 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 83 

mends and his temple clothes. He gave them to me, but 
was very bitter in his attitude toward the Church. Sun- 
day, October 26th, he delivered a public lecture in the Sea- 
men's Bethel, as he said, "Exposing Mormonism." The 
hall was crowded, and the speaker was liberally applauded. 
To me it was a strong testimony that Joseph Smith was 
a prophet of God. 

Mr. Hyde was a bright, well-educated man. He 
had been in the Church nine years, and much of the time 
he had been associated with some of our ablest Elders. 
Surely, I thought, if there is a weak spot in our Gospel 
armor, he has been able to detect it, and can expose the 
fraud to a listening world. The people came, and he 
''tickled" them ; but he did it by repeating old tales, and 
sickly community gossip! Not one sensible reason did he 
show for leaving the Church. 

After the meeting, President Partridge called a coun- 
cil of the Elders in our conference house, and it was de- 
cided that I should follow Mr. Hyde, in his lecture tour 
around the island, and give him battle. 

On Monday, October 27, 1856, eating an early break- 
fast, I shouldered my pack, and walked forty miles to 
Waianae. I was warmly received by Kaholokahiki and 
the Saints of that little branch; and great was my joy 
at being again in the house where, when a boy, sick and 
afflicted, the vision of God had comforted me, healed my 
eyes, and loosened my tongue. 

On Wednesday, November 5, 1856, I met Mr. Hyde 
in the Presbyterian Church at Waialua. Several clergy- 
men and about fifty white people were seated on the 



84 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

stand, while the body of the church was packed with na- 
tives. 

Mr. Hyde lectured on the "Evils of Mormonism." He 
commenced by saying : 

''The Mormon Elder wih tell you that plural mar- 
riage is a heaven-born institution, calculated to bless and 
exalt the human family. If this is true, why did not 
God in His infinite wisdom, make in the morning of crea- 
tion a dozen wives for Father Adam, and thus forever set 
the question at rest? In France, Apostle John Taylor 
denied being a polygamist. At that time he was the hus- 
band of five wives. As that took place nine years ago, 
John I'aylor stands before the world, a liar of nine years 
standing. My Christian friends, what confidence can 
you have in the testimony of a liar of nine years standing ? 
r Prolonged applause). I went to France, and converted 
thousands of the French people to the Mormon faith. 
Alas, today, I awake, as from a dream, and find Mor- 
n onism to be false." 

During his long talk, which was interpreted by the 
Reverend Mr. Emerson, a dry reed, many of the Kana- 
kas had gone to sleep. When Mr. Hyde closed, I sprang 
to my feet, and asked permission to reply. The chair- 
man refused to let me talk; but several gentlemen de- 
manded fair play. At length the chairman gave me fif- 
teen minutes' time ; requesting me to speak in English and 
let Mr. Emerson interpret to the Kanakas. This I refused 
to do for the reason that our Elders have visited the homes 
of the white people, have borne testimonies to them, and 
have given them tracts explaining the restored Gospel. 
I f«el that we have rid our garments of their blood ; but 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 85 

we are under obligations to the natives — I shall speak to 
them. 

I then said in substance: ''Mr. Hyde asks why did 
not God make a dozen wives for Father Adam, and thus 
forever set the question of plural marriage at rest. I am 
surprised that a man of Mr. Hyde's intelligence should 
ask such a question. Your Bible, King James' transla- 
tion, says God made man from the 'dust of the earth,' 
then caused a deep sleep to come upon him, and took a 
rib from his side, of which He made woman. Now.- I 
will answer Mr. Hyde's argument by asking him a ques- 
tion. If God had taken twelve ribs from Adam, out of 
which to have made twelve wives, would not Adam have 
been a weak reed for the twelve women to lean upon ? 

"He says he went to France, and converted thou- 
sands of the French people to the Mormon faith. I 
never knew before that thousands of the French people 
were converted to the Mormon faith. I understand that 
our Elders met with poor success; in fact, that they had 
to leave France to avoid arrest. But grant for argument's 
sake, that Mr. Hyde converted thousands of them. In 
the next breath he tells you that he has awakened as from 
a dream, to find that Mormonism is false. So he con- 
fesses that he persuaded thousands of people to believe a 
lie. My Christian friends, what confidence can you place 
in a man who has persuaded thousands of people to be- 
lieve a lie?" 

Here they interrupted me and closed the meetin^^. "^ 
walked across the street, mounted a horse block, and 
preached for an hour to an interested audience. This 



86 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

was my first experience in debate. Opposition strength- 
ened my faith, and added members to the Church. 

On Sunday, November 9, 1856, two foreign gentle- 
men, evidently of the wealthy class, called on me and 
asked if Joseph Smith and the Mormons believe in a 
plurality of wives, and a plurality of Gods. I answered 
yes ; to which they replied : ''The moral sense inherent in 
mian compels us to reject such doctrines." I answered 
that the moral sense in man caused the pious Jews to re- 
ject Jesus Christ; yet He was the Son of God, all the 
same. Mormonism, moreover, is the power of God unto 
salvation to all who receive it. 

In the afternoon meeting Brother Kiama asked for- 
giveness for having starved me on my first arrival here. 
I forgave him, especially when he explained that he had 
been living in Mr. Emerson's house, and that this pattern 
of piety had threatened to turn him out if he kept me. T 
called later upon the reverend gentleman, told him of his 
unchristian-like conduct, and said, 'Tf I get into the King- 
dom of Heaven first, I will stand at the door and keep 
you out until you make this thing right with me." 

On Friday, March 13, 1857, I made Mr. Goodale, 
my mother's cousin, a present of a "Voice of Warning," 
and Spencer's Letters; I also baptized a German by the 
name of John De Grais. On April 6th following, I at- 
tended conference on the Island of Lanai. We had an 
enjoyable time. Edward Partridge was appointed presi- 
dent of Maui, and -his assistants were Wiliam W. Cluff, 
John R. Young, William Naylor, Thomas Clayton, and 
Robert A. Rose. Thus for the second time I had the privi- 
lege of laboring under the presidency of the son of the 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 87 

first bishop of this Church; a man who, like his father, 
was without guile ; a righteous man whom I learned to 
love. 

In Maui it was our practice to hold meetings in the 
morning before the natives went to their labors. On the 
morning of May 14, 1857, I did the preaching; and after 
meeting we separated for active labor; President Part- 
ridge remaining at Wailuku, Elders Cluff and Naylor 
going to Waienae, Elder Rose to Kula to teach an Eng- 
lish school, v/hile I went to Waiohue. My labors at this 
time required much walking, often forty miles in a day; 
and frequently I had to swim the mountain streams, 
which, when swollen by rains, were rapid and dangerous. 
On May 27, 1857, in company with Elders Partridge, 
Cluff and Rose, I visited the extinct crater of Haleakala. 
Its crest is eleven thousand feet above sea level. Brother 
Kaleohano, with a pack horse, accompanied us as guide. 
For commissary, he had a calabash of poi and a string of 
red peppers. The ascent was steep, the soil rich, and vege- 
tation rank and beautiful. 

An hour's walk brought us to the cloud belt, after 
vrhich w^e were enveloped in vapor, thick, cold, and chilly. 
At 5 p. m. we arrived at the big cave, within a mile of 
the summit. Here we camped for the night. 

As I stood upon a high cliff and gazed upon an end- 
less ocean of white clouds one thousand feet below me, I 
thought I had a vision of the Christian's heaven, which, 
they say, lies ''beyond the bounds of time and space." 
Such a heaven would not suit me. The scene, strange and 
sublime though it was, brought no joy, — rather a feeling 
of unrest, mystery, and doubt; and I felt relieved, when 



88 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

the sun sank below the horizon, for then the clouds set- 
tled down, and gave me a pleasing view of West Maui, 
and the Island Lanai, Molokai, and Oahu. 

W^ arose early the next morning, having passed a 
sleepless night. The air was damp and cold, the moun- 
tain being swathed in heavy clouds. Our pack horse was 
gone. Fortunately for us, a strong wind sprang up, and 
soon we had a clear view of Maunakea on Hawaii, rear- 
ing its snow-crowned crest nineteen thousand feet above 
the sea. 

There are nine pots, or cone chimneys to this ancient 
crater. We descended into one of them ; and having spent 
half a day in explorations, returned tired and hungry to 
the cave where we rested until .Kaleohano broiled a bird 
that he had snared. For our ravenous appetities it proved 
only a morsel. On our way down the mountain, a rain- 
storm completely drenched us, and we were glad to reach 
our guide's hospitable home, and enjoy the rich treat of 
standing before a cheerful fire while our wet garments 
dried. 

On Saturday, May 30th, I accompanied President 
Partridge, on horseback, to Honuaula, where we met El- 
der Kanahunahupu. He had been one of the first six 
to embrace the Gospel on these islands. He was a firm, 
intelligent man and an eloquent speaker. Our meeting the 
next day was well attended. President Partridge, Kana- 
hunahupu, and I spoke, and a good spirit prevailed. Before 
closing, Brother Partridge, arising a second time, said he 
was impressed to make a few remarks on the mysteries of 
the Kingdom. You know we all love to hear things. Pohi- 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 89 

hihi! ''Well/' said he, ''Elder Young needs a pair of shoes, 
and that is something that you do not seem to compre- 
hend." 

I want to finish this shoe story. I went barefoot for 
several weeks, actively engaged in preaching, and some- 
times to large congregations, when Brother Poaono of 
Kipahule gave me a pair of Russian leather slippers. They 
were two inches too long for me, as hard as a board, and 
as tough as iron. Some of the Saints scolded the old man 
for giving them to me; but I checked their fault-finding, 
then laid my hands upon his head and blessed him. 

That night Elder Cluff slept with me. Toward 
morning I had a curious dream. A person came to me, 
and taught me several trades. At last he said there was 
one more trade that I should learn — shoe making. "Sup- 
pose you have a pair of shoes that are too long. It is 
the simplest thing in the world to cut them in two and 
splice them short." 

When I awoke it was just breaking day. I reached 
at once for the shoes, and taking my pocket knife, cut 
them in two. Then during the day I made a last, and a 
pegging awl out of a hoseshoe nail, using a piece of lava 
rock for a file. I next made some pegs, and spliced them 
up short; and that pair of shoes, and the pair I traded 
them for, lasted me until I reached my father's home in 
Salt Lake City. 

One incident more, then I am done with these little 
temporal matters. I was traveling with Elder William 
Naylor, of Salt Lake City. I still had in my care a little 
mule that Brother George Raymond had furnished me. In 



90 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

going from place to place in the mission, we would take 
turns riding. In that way the patient animal was of great 
help to us. 

One day it was raining hard, and the creeks soon 
became swollen. On coming to a large stream, we were 
confronted with the awkward fact that Brother Naylor 
could not swim. Near by, however, stood a CathoHc vil- 
lage and I w^ent from house to house, beseeching the peo- 
ple to let us stay until the water went dowm. But they all 
refused, saying their priest had told them w^e were false 
prophets, and that God w^ould be displeased if they took 
us into their homes. 

Coming back to our outfit, I took our hats, coats, 
and shoes, and tying them firmly to the saddle, fastened 
one end of my stake-rope around the mule's neck; then 
going up stream the length of the rope, I plunged in and 
swam across. Brother Naylor held to the mule's tail with 
both hands, while I pulled both mule and missionary 
through the rushing flood, much to the amusement of a 
hundred people who had come to see us make the danger- 
ous passage. 

Brother Naylor had on a pair of white linen pants, 
which had too long done good service. As we walked on 
in our wet clothes, I noticed that his trousers were burst- 
ing in strips. They soon looked like a bifurcated dish- 
rag, and taking them off, he threw them away. For the 
next week we had but one pair of pants between us. He 
was five inches taller than I ; and when he would put on 
my nether garments to take the air, as he did every day 
he would look comical. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R, YOUNG. 91 

Want of clothing was not our only privation those 
days ; we often suffered for want of food. I have walked 
many a day along the sea shore, gathering moss off the 
rocks to satisfy my hunger. But these things were as 
trifles to us ; for we were rich in the Spirit of the Lord. 



CHAPTER 12. 

Hear of Parley P. Pratt's Death. — Buchanan Sends Harney to 
Utah. — Letter from Brigham Young. 

On Tuesday, August 25, 18,57, I learned from the 
Western Standard of the death of Apostle Parley P. 
Pratt. I was deeply moved by the news. He had been 
cruelly murdered by Mr. McLain, the man with whom I 
had lived a month while in San Francisco. 

I wrote the following humble lines, and only regret 
that my tribute is not more like the noble man whose 
untimely fate I mourned : - 

He was fifty years old — how little he dreamt 
That his hours of life were so nearly spent, 
Bright visions inspired his bosom with hope, 
And nerved his arm to successfully cope . 
With the powers of darkness; and he broke 
The bands of tradition with a master stroke. 
But few have battled as manful as he, 
Or braved the perils of land and sea. 
Or slept in dungeons loaded with chains. 
By a Prophet's side, sharing his pains. 

He had traveled far, had labored wide, 
A light to the meek, to the blind a guide. 
With a noble, untiring, unselfish stride 
He stemmed the rush of sin's evil tide. 
The ancient prophets, oracles of God, 
Burst into life, at the touch of his rod. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 93 

Thousands, yea millions, shall add to his fame 
When they read the works that emblazon his name. 
For, loved and cherished by all good men 
Are the heaven-born truths he faithfully penned, 
His children's children on earth ^hall abound, 
When the murderer's seed shall nowhere be found. 

A month later, on Sunday, Oct 4, 1857, I had the 
pleasure of meeting in conference at Palawai, island of 
Lanai, with elders and native Saints. On this day, three 
years and one week before, I had landed at Honolulu. 
How quickly the time had passed ! We had three excellent 
meetings on that day. All the missionaries bore their 
testimonies, some of the Saints wept, and the hearts of 
all were softened by the Spirit of God. 

Oh, how my heart beats with love, even today for 
these trusting dark-skinned Saints, who, with tears in 
their eyes pressed around us, each one eager to clasp the 
hand they might clasp no more in this life. May the 
God of Abraham ever bless the Saints of Hawaii. 

At this time the papers from the United States were 
full of boastful predictions as to what the government was 
about to do with the Mormons of Utah. 

Lo, the whelps of Missouri loudly boast. 
And a ''Harney" echoes from plain to hill, 

While every ass that's seeking a post 
Is loudly braying the Mormons to kill ! 

But Brigham with a steady hand 
Guides Zion's Ship of State aright, 

And with Jehovah's helping hand. 

She'll weather the seas on this stormy night. 



.^4 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

During the preceding three months the elders who 
came in 1854 had been released, a few at a time; and as 
fast as they had been able to get means, they had quietly 
sailed' for home. On the 4th of October, 1857, after hav- 
ing labored three years, I also was released. Accordingly, 
as soon as conference was over, I crossed the channel in 
a whale boat to Molokai. I had not a cent in my pocket, 
and was poorly clothed. I worked one month for Mr. 
Meyers, a German whose acquaintance I had made while 
presiding over the Molokai conference. For this service 
I received twenty dollars. I next sold my gold pen and 
some books for five dollars, and then returned in a. whale 
boat to Lahaina. Of this, my last sea voyagle in a whale 
boat, my journal says : ' i 

"Friday, November 7, 1857, at midnight I set sail in 
Makapoos' whale boat. The moon shone brightly, throw- 
ing her soft mellow light over the surface of the great 
deep. Not a breath of air was stirring; the sea was calm 
and smooth ; and we sped swiftly on, propelled* by four 
stout oarsmen. Presently I lay down to sleep. Sweet 
dreams visited me. I forgot for a time that I was a 
stranger on a strange land, or rather an inexperienced 
youth dwelling with a benighted branch of Israel, and try- 
ing to teach them the Gospel of salvation. 

We reached Lahaina at sunrise, but as t'here was no 
wharf, I had to be carried ashore. A brawny Kanaka 
undertook the job, but stumbled headlong, giving us both 
a thorough ducking. As I walked along the public 
thoroughfare I met several half-clad prostitutes returning 
to their homes from the dens of vice that befoul this fair 
city of palm trees. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 95 

Presently I turned aside to a little grass hut, ten by 
twelve in size, and surrounded by numerous fish sheds. 
Here I was greeted by Elders Alma L. Smith and William 
Naylor, two faithful Mormon boys. Brother Smith was 
laid up with a broken arm. For one month these brethren 
had lived in this unwholesome place, with none to pity, or 
administer unto them, except Brother Kalua, wdio lived 
from hand to mouth by fishing. 

We sat down to breakfast, — poi and salt, and not 
enough of that. I went out and bought twenty-five cents' 
worth of fish, and this addition gave us an enjoyable meal. 
I next paid Alma's doctor bill of twenty dollars, which left 
me five dollars to go home with. 

On November 9th, Elder William W. Cluff arrived 
from Waialuku. He, like myself, was hunting work in 
order to get money with which to return home. Brother 
Smith's arm having got strong enough so that he could 
travel, he and Brother Naylor started for Waialuku, a 
mile walk over a waterless mountain. 

I wrote as follows to my brother who was laboring 
on Hawaii : 

''Dear Brother Franklin W. : It has been a long time 
since I received a line from you. I presume your letters 
have not reached me, as I have been shifting from place 
to place for the last two months. I came to Lahaina last 
Saturday with intention of going to Hawaii to see you; 
but no opportunity has been offered, and I am compelled 
to go home without seeing you. I have only five dollars 
with which to go, hence I cannot run around much; — 
but my heart yearns to see you. The thought of going 
home without saying farewell is painful. If I could see 



96 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R, YOUNG. 

you for one day — then I could return to our loved ones, 
rejoicing. 

"As it is, I go — pure and uncontaminated from the 
evils of the w^orld. I love those v^ith v^hom I have been 
associated v^hile on this mission ; both those who have re- 
turned and v^ho are about to return to our v^ar-threat- 
ened vales ; and my heart is no less warm to those whose 
duty it is to tarry in the mission field. I pray God to 
bless them, and to bless you, my brother. 

''Be humble, prayerful, and diligent ; 'tis the only path 
that leads to honor, glory, and salvation." 

The night of November 10th was dark and stormy. I 
heard the captain of the Maria say he would not unfurl 
canvas for five hundred dollars'; but the captain of the 
Moi was more venturesome. Desirous of obtaining a 
cargo that had been promised to the Maria, he sailed im- 
mediately for Honolulu. Elder Cluff and I took passage, 
two dollars each cabin. Upon reaching that city I walked 
the streets three days before I found work. I then got a 
job of digging a well, and building some stone wall for a 
Mr. Duncan, he giving me one dollar a da}^ and board. 

On November 20, 1857, Ireceived the following let- 
ter from the President's Office, Salt Lake City, dated Sep- 
tember 4, 1857: 

"John and Franklin Young, Honolulu, Sandwich 
Islands : 

"My dear Nephews : Yours of April 23rd has just 
been received per southern California mail. I feel thank- 
ful to observe the good spirit breathed in your letter. The 
prospects for Zion's cause are indeed cheering, when el- 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 97 

ders like unto a majority of those now abroad are found 
to preach the Gospel. 

^'Our harvest has been most abundant. We have 
threshed eighty bushels of v^heat from an acre on the 
Church farm. Almost all the men are engaged in har- 
vesting and securing our grain. 

"The public works are progressing rapidly; and al- 
though there are apparent prospects of an open rupture 
with the United States government, yet the brethren con- 
tinue to build and improve, much as though we were at 
peace with all the world. 

"I suppose you are posted in regard to the difficul- 
ties that threaten us. The government has collected two 
regiments of infantry, one of dragoons, and two batteries 
of artillery, and has placed them under the command of 
that blood-thirsty old villain, General Harney, with orders 
to come to Utah and regulate the Mormons. This has 
been done without investigating, or even taking into con- 
sideration our own reports, or looking at any circumstance 
which would withdraw the pretext, which they have for 
years been seeking, to make a final or fatal blow at the 
kingdom. 

''We had determined years ago, if a mob again at- 
tacked us, whether led by their own passions, or uncon- 
stitutionally legalized by the general government, or by 
the government of any of the states, or territories, that 
we'll resist their aggressions by making an appeal to God 
and our own right arms, for that protection which has 
been denied us by christianized and civilized nations. Our 
former determination remains unshaken. 

Your father, mother, and all the family are well. Wil- 



98 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

Ham G. and James A. have not arrived ; but I expect them 
in the course of three or four weeks. Brother Heber and 
Daniel desire kind remembrance to you. 

'(May the God of Israel ever inspire you to do His 
will, and make you an honorable instrument in His hand 
of accomplishing much good upon the earth, is the sin- 
cere prayer of your uncle, 

"Brigham Young." 



CHAPTER 13. 

Praise for the Elders. — Efforts to Bring Two Natives to Utah. — 
Sail for Home. — Description of Steerage. — An Earnest 
Prayer. — Timidity of the Saints. — Baptize a New Convert 
at Midnight. 

Novembeiv 22, 1857. The day was beautiful, per--, 
haps because my heart felt to rejoice; for I had been 
truly blest during my sojourn on these islands. I at- 
tended meeting and listened to remarks by Elders Bigler, 
Woodbury, Bell, and Cluff. I loved Brother Bigler for 
his wisdom and humility; Brother Woodbury for his 
loyalt}^ to the Church, and for his eloquence in preach- 
ing in Kanaka. Truly his speaking was a gift, and came 
not by his own wisdom. 

I spoke on the nature of opposition. Herod sought 
to kill Jesus Christ, because Christ came with power to 
organize and estabhsh God's kingdom upon the earth. 
The Jews persecuted him because they feared, 'lest all 
the world would go after him, and they would lose their 
place and nation." And so it was with the Christians 
when the Prophet Joseph came; they feared him, for he 
had more power, wisdom, and godliness than all of them. 
They do not hate us personally; but they are determined 
to resist the truth, and overthrow the kingdom. Their 
inspiration comes from Satan. 

The following is from my journal of Friday, No- 
vember 27, 18,57 : 

"We are anxious to take two native elders home 



100 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

with us; but their laws forbid their emigrating without 
a government permit. For this reason Elders Bigler, 
Woodbury, and I waited on his excellency, Governor 
Kekuanaao. He is a large, robust, fine-looking, elderly 
man; and like all Hawaiians, he is fond of ease and 
good living. 

"We apprised him of our desires and asked his per- 
mission for two of our Hawaiian brethren to go home 
with us. He was quite ignorant of the law on this mat- 
ter, but said he would consult Prince Lot, and if there 
were no objections he would grant our request. We 
called next on his ro3^al highness. Prince Lot, and found 
him clad in rich Chinese costume. He is above the 
medium height, strong, well-built, about twenty-five 
years of age, kind and courteous in manner, and speaks 
good English. 

"On December 2, 1857, the government informed us 
that they aeclined to let the native brethren go with us. 

"Monday, December 7th. For thirty dollars I se- 
cured steerage passage on the bark Yankee, to San Fran- 
cisco. I had ten dollars left, and having sold my only 
coat for ten dollars, left the twenty dollars with Elder 
Bigler to give to my brother Franklin W. who was still 
on Hawaii. 

"Wednesday, December 9, 1857, Elders Sextus E. 
Johnson, William King, Eli Bell, William W. Cluff, 
Smith B. Thurston, John A. West, Simpson M. Molen, 
George Speirs, and John R. Young sailed for home on 
the bark Yankee. The treatment we received was any- 
thing, but courteous, and so the following doggerel verses 
fairly illustrate our feelings : 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 101 

''The wealthy gent may think I'm wrong 
In writing this poor, uncouth song. 
But those who share my humble berth 
Will count my theme of greater worth. 
Perhaps you all who've crossed the sea 
Have, of the famous bark Yankee, 
Heard much of good, by fiction told. 
But now the truth I will unfold. . 
Poverty, I know, is oft despised 
B}^ those who think they're rich and wise. 
But oft in modest birth we'll find 
Men of sense, and noble mind. 

"Excuse sufficient this must be. 

True worth needs no apology. 

You to our steerage I'll invite, 

AA^here you shall see a motley sight. 

For here we sit 'mong ropes and rags, 

Spars, chicken coops, and dirty bags. 

Turkeys, sheep, and guinea hens, 

With Johnny Ching Ching, — all in one pen — 

A pen some folks a steerage call, 

With ample room to hold us all. 

''From morn till night we sit around. 
Like gypsies camping on the ground. 
Some of us talk, and others sing, 
Wliile some are busy scrimshawing. 
Some of politics are talking, 
Others on the decks are walking. 
And with the dogs ofttimes are playing, 
But pause to hear some witty saying. 
Below sits Caesar with open hymn-book 
Seeking grace with a pious look; 



102 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

While carpenter and mate with hammer, 
Do their best to make a clamor. 

I 

''Hark ! now the bell for dinner rings, 
And each one for the hatchway springs. 
'Old Salt horse again' half raw. 
To chew would need an iron jaw. 
'Look here, cook, this meat's not done.' 
'Boiled three hom's,' cries Afric's son. 
'But if you do not like the meat, 
There's murphies plus sea bread to eat. 
You can't complain, for as the crew 
Are treated by us, so are you.' 
These are the words of Captain Bob, 
Who thinks no harm poor men to rob.. 
For robber it is, in every sense, 
To treat men thus, to save expense. 

".Now for our hammocks let us look ; 
Search your corner — scan each nook. 
Vain the search. From hatch to hatch 
The Yankee's steerage has no match. 
On ropes and barrels men must lie, 
Thankful to get a little hay. 
For forty dollars per head we've got 
A passage minus bed or cot. 
Filled with barrels, ropes and sails, 
Where light o'er darkenss ne'er prevails, 
Here men are classed with brutish dogs, • 
And treated worse than farmer's hogs. 

"Such odious scenes you can't admire. 
So from the steerag^e let's retire. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 103 

But when again we go to sea 

'Twill not be in the bark Yankee. 

To you, clear friends, I'll say goodbye — 

For supper time is drawing nigh — 

And welcome are the hours o£ night 

That from my view will hide the sight- 

Of filth and dirt, and drive away 

The thoughts that haunt me all the day. 

"Saturday, December 26, 1857. This morning land 
could be seen from the mast head. At ten a. m. it could 
be seen from deck. At noon we hove in sight of the 
Golden Gate, and soon sailed into the beautiful bay of 
Frisco. 

''But now the wind died, and we were left without 
a breath of air. The sailors whistled, but the sails 
flapped lazily, and the ship moved not. The day slipped 
away, the moon rose in all its splendor, the night was 
beautiful, and there lay the city with her thousand spark- 
ling lamps. Oh, how I longed to be on shore, to tread 
American soil once more, to walk on my native land 
the land of my fathers, where I should be glad to dwell 
in peace. 

''But alas, that boon is denied me. Even now the 
camp fires are kindled by a strong, and well-disciplined 
army sent by a corrupt government to rob my parents, 
kindred, and people, of the sacred rights) bequeathed 
them by their noble sires who fought and bled, to win 
the freedom and justice that England refused to grant. 
And yet this same nation, that became thus, under the 
blessing of God, a home for the free, and an asylum for 
the oppressed has now turned to be an oppressor! 



104 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

"O, God, hear my prayer. For Thou knowest the 
integrity of my heart. I have returned from the mission 
Thou gavest me through Thy servant, to find Thy cov- 
enant people denied their rights ; falsely accused, and- 
persecuted without cause ; therefore, I pray Thee, do 
Thou guard and protect them. Deliver them. Father, 
from all their enemies. Let the armies of the oppressor 
go backwards and not forward ! Let the fierce storms 
and tempests of the mountains block their way. May con- 
tentions arise among them, and union be far from them, 
until they turn to righteousness and abide by the Con- 
stitution which Thou didst give by inspiration to our 
fathers. I ask it in the name of Jesus Christ, Thy Son. 
Amen." 

On Sunday, December 27, 1857, I attended meeting 
in the home of Brother Dwight Eveleth, President of 
the San Francisco branch. The local Saints were afraid 
to sing, or talk aloud in our meetings, for fear of being 
heard upon the street. But I felt like shouting Hosannah, 
and I would not be restrained. Attracted by my voice, 
several strangers called in. After meeting, I walked 
down to the bay and baptized EHjah E. Warren, a young 
man from Santa Clara. 



CHAPTER 14. 

Visit My Cousin. — His Tempting Offer. — Meet the Agents of 
Mr. Walker, the Nicaragua Filibusterer. — Baptize Mrs, 
Bradford. 

On Monday, December 28, 1857, I borrowed two 
dollars and fifty cents and bought from a Jew store a 
very good second-hand coat as I had come from the 
islands in my shirt sleeves. The returning elders scat- 
tered out in search of work. Elders Molen and Speirs 
went to Sacramento, Elders Johnson, King, West, and 
Thurston went to the Redwoods; while Elders Cluff, 
Bell, and I remained in the city. 

I visited my cousin, Lorenzo Saw3^er, attorney gen- 
eral for the state of California. He said if I would 
stay with him, he would send me to school for three 
years, then let me study law in his office a year, and then 
give me one thousand dollars in gold to commence life. 
I thanked him, but told him there was not gold enough 
in California to bribe me from going home, and shar- 
ing the destiny of the Latter-day Saints. 

I also met at Brother Eveleth's, Mr. Cooper, Mr. 
Harbin, and Mr. Mathewsen, straight from New York, 
agents of Mr. Walker, the celebrated filibusterer. They 
were commissioned to go to Utah and sell the Mormon 
people two million acres of land in Central America. I 
did all I could to dissuade them from going, but in vain. 

Before leaving the island, I was counseled to change 



106 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

my name, as the spirit of persecution was strong against 
us in all parts of the United States. Hence, I was now 
passing under the name of John Brown; but I could not 
conceal my identity. Everybody knew me, and Presi- 
dent 'Eveleth advised, as a precautionary measure, that 
I should leave the city. 

Tuesday, December 29, 1857. Elders William Cluff, 
Eli Bell, and I took stage for the Redwoods, seeking 
opportunity to work where no one knew me. When with- 
in four miles of Whipple's mills, we left the stage and 
walked through the fields. The mill had closed for the 
day. One man was working at the saw. Brother Cluff 
and I sat down on a log, while Brother Bell went to 
make inquiries. . , 

As soon as the man was addressed, he left his 
work and came straight to me, saying, ''Brother Young, 
I am glad to see you. A few nights ago, I saw you in a 
dream, and I know you have been sent here to do a 
good work." Again everybody knew me, and I told 
the brethren that, live or die, from this time on I would 
be John R. Young. 

I went to work for Brother Eli Whipple. He owned 
a large steam saw-mill, and was anxious to close out 
and go to Utah. His wife and three daughters w^ere not 
in the Church, and were opposed to gathering. In fact 
Mrs. Whipple was very bitter toward me. I pleaded 
earnestly with the Lord that He would soften her heart 
and bring her into the Church. In about three weeks I 
had the joy of seeing her and Mrs. Mary Whipple Walker 
baptized. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 107 

Sister Whipple gave me the following- account of 
her conversion: "When you first came to live v^ith us, 
I thought you were the ugliest-looking man that I had 
ever seen. You looked dark and swarthy, and I could 
not help but hate you. One evening, after you had borne 
a testimony to me, I went into my room, knelt down and 
prayed. I asked God, if what you had said was true, to 
give me some evidence of it. That night I dreamed that 
I saw you clothed in white raiment, and your face shone 
like the face of an angel. In the morning when I met 
you, I could see a halo of light around your face. And 
I never see you now but what there is a bright spot on 
your cheek." 

Ever since that day Aunt Patience has been as kind 
and gentle to me as my own mother. So did the Father 
answer my prayers. 

Brother Whipple had a large number of logs scat- 
tered among the timber, ready to be hauled to the mill. 
I took four yoke of his oxen and went to logging. One 
day, as I came in muddy and tired, I met a gentleman 
who asked for Mr. Young. I answered : "That's my 
name." But he wanted Elder Young, the Mormon 
preacher; and he could hardly comprehend how a man 
could be an ox driver and a minister of the Gospel at 
the same time. After supper I held meeting in the kit- 
chen, and talked to a house full of earnest listeners until 
midnight. 

On Saturday, February 6, 1858, I went home with 
Mr. Bradford, the gentleman who came the previous even- 
ing. I stayed a week with him. Daytimes I threshed 



108 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

barley with a flail, at two dollars a day ; evenings I gave 
Gospel talks to his family and a few invited friends. At 
the end of the week, his wife wanted to be baptized. The 
doctors and ministers visited her, and said that if she 
went into the water it would kill her, as her health was 
delicate, and she had been heavily dosed with calomel. 

Nevertheless, at three o'clock Sunday morning, we 
put her into a spring wagon and drove fifteen miles to a 
secluded place on a sparkling mountain stream. Mr. 
Bradford helped me carry her into the water, and I bap- 
tized her for the remission of her sins, and confirmed her 
a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 
Saints. 

I then returned to the Redwoods and held a meeting 
at Brother Whipple's. A good many strangers attended ; 
and as a result of these meetings seven persons were add- 
ed to the Church, for which I greatly rejoiced. ^ 

About this time my Brother Franklin W. arrived 
from the islands. 



CHAPTER 15. 

Start for a Thirteen-Hundred-Mile Walk. — Become Indian 
Scout. — M'?et Jacob Hamblin, the Indian Peacemaker. — 
Surrounded by Forty Indian Warriors. — Shooting a Dove 
Saves our Scalps. 

By the first of March forty persons had gathered at 
the Redwoods, 40 miles south of San Francisco, pre- 
pared to go to Utah. We organized a company by ap- 
pointing Eli Whipple, captain; Sextus E. Johnson, ser- 
geant of the guard; John R. Young, chaplain; and 
Elemuel Sawtell, clerk. 

Brother Whipple furnished the provisions, and 
hauled the blankets for the returning elders, thirteen in 
number; and with hearts full of hope and joy we started 
out for a walk of thirteen hundred miles. Before setting 
out, Joseph A. Kelting and I went to San Francisco 
and purchased thirty-five rifles and one hundred pounds 
of powder. 

At the start grass was short, and teams were heavily 
loaded, so we traveled slowly. By the middle of April, 
it was evident that our provisions would not last us 
through. Our meat was nearly gone, and I began to 
urge the brethren to lie over a day and hunt. How- 
ever, as we saw but little game, and killed none, there 
was no spirit for hunting. 

On the 20th of April we camped at Elizabeth's Lake. 
After evening camp prayers, I talked and prophesied that 



110 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

if we would lie over, and go out to hunt, we should kill 
all the meat we should want. The company consented; 
and the next morning at daybreak thirteen of us started 
out. I was the odd man, and went alone. 

I had walked about a mile when I saw nine deer 
standing across a hollow. I fired and killed a large 
buck. That commenced the ball. William King killed 
three without moving out of his tracks. By noon we had 
in all, twenty-two deer. We lay by and jerked the meat. 
Needless to say, we had plenty to last us the rest of the 
journey. 

At Stony Creek, Mr. Cooper and party from New 
York, overtook us. My services were secured to pilot 
them to Salt Lake City. So • bidding goodbye to my 
fellow missionaries, who were very dear to me, and to 
the Saints that composed our little company, I mounted a 
mule and struck the trail for home. 

On the Mohave, having struck the Mormon road 
leading from Salt Lake to San Bernardino, we saw Indian 
signs. The redskins approached our camp at night, but 
kept out of sight in the day time. That looked tmfriendly. 
At the lower crossing of the Mohave we picketed our ani- 
mals close around our wagon. 

At three o'clock in the morning, they stampeded, 
and all got away but one. I mounted bareback, without 
stopping to dress, and soon overtook the frightened ani- 
mals, and making a wide circuit, brought them safely to 
camp. 

At the Vegas Springs I met for the first time, that 
renowned Indian peacemaker, Jacob Hamblin, and learned 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. Ill 

from him the history of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. 
He said the Indians were still hostile, and thirsting for 
more blood. On the Muddy, a small stream of that re- 
gion, we found living in a wagon-bed, turned bottom-side 
up for a shield from heat and sand, Ira Hatch and Thales 
Haskell, strong men, giving the better part of their lives 
to missionary work among the Indians — a labor that 
brought them neither pleasure nor wealth. 

Taking their advice, we rested a day, purposing to 
make rapid drives from there to the settlements. On 
the 13th of May we nooned at the Beaver Dams, rested 
until night, then drove to the Clara Mountains, made a 
dry camp, kindling no fire. In the morning we drove 
to the Cane Spring for breakfast. 

Scarcely had we turned out our horses when we were 
surrounded by forty Indian warriors, their faces all 
blackened. I soon became convinced that they had been 
watching for us, and intended to rob, if not kill us. 
Many of them had on good broadcloth clothes, which 
I suppose they had taken from the people they had mur-* 
dered at the Mountain Meadows. Most of them had good 
guns, and they were very insolent, helping themselves to 
whatever they wanted. 

A few minutes after they came, a mourning dove 
alighted on a willow at the head of the spring, about 
twelve rods from our camp. The wind was blowing hard 
from the south, waving the willow on which the bird rest- 
ed. The Indians commenced shooting at it. With a sudden 
impulse, I raised my rifle and fired. If I had had the 



112 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

dove in my hand, I could not have cut its head off more 
nicely than I did. 

The Indians seemed astonished, and for a short time 
were quiet. In our small company — only five of us — 
was a mountaineer by the name of Hardin. I felt that 
he was the only man that could be relied on in case of 
trouble. He had loaded a double-barrelled shotgun with 
navy balls, and stood leaning by the side of the carriage, 
the butt of his gun on the ground, the muzzle resting in 
his right hand. 

Three Indians crawled under the carriage and com- 
menced scuffling. Instantly one barrel of his gun went 
off, taking off the upper part of Hardin's ear, and tear- 
ing away the rim of his hat. It. knocked him down, and 
I thought he was killed. The chief threw the back of his 
hand to his mouth and gave the war whoop. 

I cocked my gun and put the muzzle against his 
belly. He stopped yelling, and Hardin sprang up and 
attempted to shoot him; but I interfered, telling the 
men that our lives depended on our keeping the chief. 

I then spoke in Ute, and ordered the Indians to 
their camp, but kept the chief a prisoner. We hitched 
up, and putting the chief into the carriage, drove until 
three o'clock, then rested until dark, when we hitched up 
and drove rapidly until midnight. We then camped, tied 
up, and stood guard without a fire until morning. After 
breakfast, we gave the Indian a shirt and plug of tobacco, 
and told him to "git." 

Years after, I became intimately acquainted with this 
chief Jackson. He was a bad man; and while he lived 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 113 

there was no peace with his band. Without doubt, all that 
saved our scalps at that time was the fortunate shot in 
killing the dove, and the course we pursued in keeping the 
chief a prisoner. 

After turning the Indian loose, we passed a painfully 
anxious day ; our animals were so exhausted that we had 
to take several rests, and were fearful of being followed 
by the Indians. Just before night, however, we had the 
good fortune to pull into the town of Pinto, the frontier 
Mormon settlement. 

We were kindly received by the good people of that 
ward, and after resting a few days, continued our journey. 
The monotony of the desert was now pleasingly changed 
by the many ranches and busy villages we passed. At 
Parowan, two hundred miles south of Salt Lake City, 
we encountered a scene that I shall never forget. I re- 
member distinctly, the ^'Exodus," as it was called, from 
Nauvoo, when sixteen thousand souls left their homes 
and commenced that marvelous journey of fourteen hun- 
dred miles to the unknown valley of the Salt Lake. But 
that exodus was like a small rivulet by the side of a 
mighty river when compared with the seventy-five thou- 
sand men, women, and children that we now met in one 
continuous line of travel. 

Horses, oxen, and cows were harnessed or yoked to 
wagons and carts ; and one family by the name of Syphus, 
was moving their effects on a handcart drawn by a pair 
of yearling steers. Mothers and children walked along 
as merrily as if going to a corn husking; each family 
moving its little bunch of cows and flock of sheep, and 



114 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

all starting on the journe}^ (that was never completed) 
to Sonora, in Mexico, or some ether place. 

At times we were compelled to drive our wagon for 
miles Qutside the beaten road, everywhere hearing and 
seeing evidences that increased my gentile companions' 
wonderment of the marvelous power held by Brigham 
Young over his people; and added to my curiosity to see 
the outcome of Mr. Cooper's colonizing scheme. Surely 
everything looked favorable for the promoters of that 
idea. 

At last we reached Provo, w^here the Church lead- 
ers had made their temporary headquarters. In the even- 
ing I visited President Young, and made known to him 
the object of Mr. Cooper's visit. Two days later he gave 
audience to Messrs. Cooper, Mathewsen, and Hardin. 
They held a lengthy conversation, in which Mr. Cooper, 
in glowing language, told the Mormon leaders what a 
splendid opportunity it was for them to lead their people 
to Central America, where, he said, they could found an 
empire that would crown the stirring life of Brigham 
Young and his associates with endless glory. 

I can still hear the ringing words of Brigham Young's 
answer: ''Gentlemen," said he, "God Almighty made 
these everlasting hills to be bulwarks of liberty for the 
oppressed and down-trodden of the earth. We shall never 
leave here and go to a country where we should have six 
hundred miles of sea coast to defend, and where any 
nation at their pleasure could send war ships to bombard 
our cities. Furthermore, gentlemen, should the desire 
ever come, we have hundreds of boys, just as capable of 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 115 

going to .Nicaragua, and of taking possession and holding 
it, too, as General Walker of New York. Gentlemen, 
you have our answer." 

On June 23, 1858, my cousin, Brigham Young, Jr., 
carried me in his one-horse buggy to Salt Lake City. At 
Draper I received the kiss of welcome from my dear sis- 
ter, Harriet M. Brown, and from my dear aged mother. 
At the city I met my father, who, like a lion in his lair, 
was watching the coming fate of his deserted home. He 
and a few fearless, trusted men had been left behind to 
see that Johnston's army kept its pledges not to quarter 
in the city. Had they broken their pledge the city would 
have been burned. 

I sat with the guards in the upper room of the Lion 
House, and saw that army in death-like silence march 
through the deserted streets of the dead city, a few of 
the officers with uncovered heads, as if attending a 
funeral. To us western mountain boys, the solemnity of 
the march was oppressive; and glad relief came to our 
strained feelings, when we saw the soldiers' camp fires 
kindled on the ''other side of Jordan." 



CHAPTER 16. 

Home Activities. — Counseled Not to Study Law. — Called to 
Uinta, and Dixie. 

As soon as I had seen the army "pass through," I 
returned to Provo to report myself to President Young. 
I had been gone on my mission a little over four years, 
as before recorded. When Apostle John Taylor set me 
apart for this mission he said, "You shall be cast upon 
the bosom of the sea ; but fear not, the hand of the Lord 
shall be over you, and you shall return in safety to your 
father's home ;" also in parting President Young, had said : 
"If you will be humble, live near the Lord, and not com- 
mit sin, when you return you will take me by the hand and 
tell me that you know Mormonism is true." I had kept 
the conditions, and I knew the Gospel of Jesus Christ had 
been restored to the earth, and that it is the power of 
God unto salvation to all who receive and obey it. 

About this time peace was restored by President 
Buchanan's proclamation of pardon to the Mormons. I 
took hold with energy to help move my father's families 
back from the south, whither they had fled, at the near 
approach of the army. That task accomplished, I made 
arrangements to go to San Francisco, intending to live 
with my cousin, Lorenzo Sawyer, and go to school and 
study law. 

One day, as I passed Uncle Brigham's office, he 
called to me, then came out and walked with me to 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG, 117 

Brother Wells' corner. We sat down on a pile of lumber, 
and I told him my plans. He counseled me not to go to 
California, to let the law alone, to find a good girl, get 
married, and make me a home. 

During the winter I attended a school taught by 
Sister Eleanor Pratt, and here became acquainted with 
Miss S. E. Carmichael, one of Utah's most gifted 
daughters. 

On January 1, 1859, I married Albina Terry, eldest 
daughter of William Reynolds and Mary Phillips Terry. 
During the summer following, I worked as a farm hand 
for my brother-in-law, Joseph G. Brown. On Novem- 
ber 12, 1859, I moved to Payson and bought a home of 
David Crockett, paying for it during the winter by haul- 
ing tithing wheat from Sanpete valley to Salt Lake City. 

November 16, 1859, my eldest son, John Terry, was 
born. The mother came near dying with hemorrhage at 
the nose, but Elders Levi W. Hancock and William Mc- 
Bride laid hands on her, and she was instantly healed. 

In the spring of 1861, I was called, with ten other 
families of Payson, to help settle the Uinta country. I 
sold my home, bought two good teams, and loaded up 
my things ; then going to Salt Lake City, I reported to 
President Young for specific instructions. After a long 
talk, in which he seemed pleased with my labors, he told 
me the Indians had become hostile, and he should release 
tHose who had been called. He advised that I return to 
Payson and buy another home. I did so, trading my 
teams for a house and lot and ten acres of farm land. 

I also rented a ranch, with twenty cows and a flock of 



1 18 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YO UNG. 

sheep, for three years, of James McClellan. During the 
summer I picked up sixty calves, to be kept on halves. 
I also married as second wife, Miss Lydia Knight, 
daughter of Newell Knight, a life long trusted friend of 
the Prophet Joseph Smith. 

Everything that I touched seemed to prosper, and 
I was happy — ^but the ''best-laid plans of mice and men 
gang aft agley." In the fall, I was called, in connection 
with my Brother Franklin W., who at that time was 
bishop of Payson, to go to Dixie. 

I purchased two yoke of oxen and a big wagon. My 
Brother Franklin W. accompanied me as far as Toquer, 
where we parted. I going to the Santa Clara, I bought 
an Indian farm situated on the. creek just below the Old 
Mission fort. I worked hard during days, fencing with 
timber that grew on the place. The long evenings I spent 
in grubbing the heavy sage and squaw brush that cov- 
ered a great portion of the farm. My wives, Albina, and 
Lydia, would pile the brush, and keep up fires so that I 
could see to work. We were ambitious to make a good 
home; and the only capital we had was health, strong- 
arms, and resolute will. 

Just as I had completed the fence, and had several 
acres ready for plowing, the Big Flood came like a thief 
in the night. The wall of water, which was ten to fifteen 
feet high, struck the west side of the fort, a rock structure 
two hundred feet square, in which several families were 
living. The solid wall stood as a dam, causing the stream 
to divide ; the greater part following the creek channel to 
the south, but a sheet of water four or five feet deep spew- 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG, 119 

ing over the creek bank, and running along the fort wall 
until it came to the north side, where it swept through 
the gate like a mill race, flooding the inside of the fort to 
a man's armpits. 

Such were the conditions when the inmates of the fort 
were awakened to their peril. The alarm was given to 
those living outside of the fort ; and soon all the men, and 
some of the women, were gathered at the point of danger. 
The first care was to rescue the women and children. 

Inside the fort, the water was comparatively still, 
so that men were able to move around as they wished ; 
but as they approached the gate, no man unassisted could 
stem the current. To remedy this, a rope was passed 
from a tree on the outside, through the gate, and made 
fast to a post on the inside. By holding to this line, men 
could pass in and out ; the women and children were then 
taken on the men's shoulders and carried to a place of 
safety. 

The rescue was scarcely accomplished, before an- 
other danger faced us ; for by this time the high tide of 
the flood had passed ; and the channel of the creek, which 
had also become enlarged, sucked the water from the 
overflowed flats, strengthened the current in the creek, 
undermining its banks, and caving them in. Suddenly 
the southwest corner of the fort, Ira Hatch's home, fell 
into the flood, sweeping away evervthing he owned. 
Other families suffered, but he, taken by surprise, lost all. 

Across the creek from the fort was a little grist mill 
owned by Jacob Hamblin. Father Chamberlain, the aged 
miller, with two grandchildren, a boy and a girl, were 



120 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

living in a dugout near the mill. The first they knew 
of it, a stream of water was pouring in upon them. They 
succeeded, however, in emerging from the trap, and 
climbing a near-by tree, where they -passed the night in 
terror. In the morning they waded to a high spot on the 
m.ill-race, and none too soon, for both the tree they had 
climbed, and the mill, were carried away. It was three 
days before the w^ater fell sufficiently for Ira Hatch and 
myself to wade across and rescue them. 

During the summer preceding- the flood, the Clara 
Indian missionaries had labored in the United Order. The 
northwest corner room of the fort had been used by them 
for a granary. Here they had two hundred bushels of 
wheat unsacked. It was agreed .that all hands should assist 
in carrying out the wheat ; while I stood, lantern in hand, 
to signal any danger from the encroaching flood. One 
hundred seventy-five bushels had been saved, when I gave 
the alarm. The men came out at once; and 'ten minutes 
later the room caved in. 

We felt that we had done all that could be done ; and 
the men being nearly exhausted, and chilled to the bone, 
went to their homes. The rope that was used at the gate 
had been taken down, coiled, and hung on Samuel 
Knight's gate. Jacob Hamblin begged me to hold the 
light, while he moved a pile of cord-wood, and said when 
that was done, he would go and rest. He had moved 
about half of the pile, when a large block of earth on 
which he stood, dropped into the flood. 

I called for help. Joseph Knight ran to me, catch- 
ing the rope in his hand as he came. At the bank I lield 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG, 121 

the light so that we might peer into the seething waters 
below. So much earth had fallen that it pushed the water 
back ; and we saw Jacob clinging desperately to snapping 
roots. Brother Knight rapidly made a noose and dropped 
it over his head and shoulders. Hamblin then grabbed 
the rope, and we pulled him from the jaws of death; for 
no man could have lived long in that torrent of mud and 
water. 

During the damp and rainy weather that accom- 
panied the flood, our little son, John T., took the croup, 
and after several days of terrible suffering, died. This 
was our first life sorrow, and the blow was a heavy one. 

The old fort and town having been washed away, a 
new town was laid out under the direction of Apostle 
Erastus Snow. I secured a city lot, and some farm land, 
and went to work again. 

In the spring of 1862 I was called by the bishop of 
the Clara ward to drive an ox team to Omaha on the 
Missouri river, to get some cotton gins and spinning jen- 
nies for the benefit of the ward. Leaving my family 
camped in a tent, I responded to the call, driving my own 
team, and crossing the plains in John R. Murdock's train. 

At Omaha I found my Brother Joseph W., who had 
charge of the Church immigration, lying at the point of 
death. He had been knocked down by lightning, and 
nearly crushed to death by baled wagon beds that were 
blown upon him during the terrible storm. Under the 
blessing of God, and with careful nursing, his life was 
preserved. For three weeks I aided in purchasing teams 
for the immigrants, and brought up the rear end of that 



122 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG, 

year's emigration. After all our companies had started 
back, I received orders, by telegram from President 
Young, to buy more teams and wagons and to «lear out 
the Church warehouse at Florence. 

Ort the 17th of August I started for Salt Lake with 
twenty-two wagons and teams, but only ten teamsters ; 
and we traveled one hundred miles before I got addi- 
tional help. On Elm Creek, while on the move, we were 
charged by a stampeded herd of buffalo, estimated at three 
thousand head. It was with great difficulty that we 
turned them aside, and kept the train from being run 
over and trampled to pieces. 

During the combat, one of my night guard was dis- 
mounted, and his mule, a fine animal, ran off with the 
buffalo. As soon as the train was safe, a young man by 
the name of Stewart, and I, followed the herd, stampeded 
them again, and riding into the heaving, rolling mass, se- 
cured the mule, and also succeeded in cutting out three 
oxen and a cow that we found running with them. Two 
of the oxen were large, fine fellows, and were very helpful 
in my team. Upon reaching Salt Lake City, I gave them 
to Bishop Hunter, as a donation to the Perpetual Emi- 
gration fund, and they were used for years on the Temple 
Block, to move the blocks of granite that were placed in 
the Temple walls. 

.Near Fort Laramie we overtook Captain William H. 
Dame's train of fifty wagons. As he was prostrate with 
mountain fever, we blended the trains, and I took charge 
of them until we reached Fort Bridger. 

When I reached Salt Lake Citv, President Young 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 123 

oave me a beautiful Canadian mare, which the Church 
had furnished me to use on the plains; and he gave me, 
moreover, his blessing as a reward for my services. 

At Provo, I found my wife Lydia with a sweet babe 
— Lydia Roseana — in her arms. I gave Mother Knight 
a cooking stove for her kindness to me and mine. Jesse, 
my wife Lydia's brother, wished to go to the Clara; so 
I employed him to drive my ox team, for which service I 
gave him a French pony, valued at seventy-five dollars. 
He was a noble boy, and I always loved him. It was late 
in the fall when I returned to the Clara with the ma- 
chinery I started for. In six months' time I had trav- 
eled twenty-eight hundred miles with my four yoke of 
oxen. 

I found Albina and babe well, but still living — and 
without a murmur — in a tent. 

In 1863, I was called by Bishop Edward Bunker of 
the Clara Ward, to go to the states and help gather the 
poor. I had charge of ten teams from that ward. I drove 
my own team of four yoke of oxen. On the trip east- 
ward we made part of Daniel D. McArthur's train. At 
Florence I was appointed captain of an independent 
Danish company of forty-four wagons. On the return 
trip we had several stampedes, in one of which two 
women and one man were killed. With that exception we 
were greatly prospered. I became very much attached 
to the Danish people. My brother, Lorenzo S., was with 
me, and was of great help to me. Jeremiah Stringham 
and family joined the company, and I learned to love him 
for his courage and fidelity. 



124 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG, 

Upon my return to the Clara, I found my two wives 
living in a one-room adobe house that my brother-in-law, 
Samuel Knight, had built for them. In the fore part of 
the winter, William R. Terry (my father-in-law) and I 
were requested by President Erastus Snow, to move to St. 
George. I promptly set about the work; putting up a 
small hewn-log house, then going to Pine Valley to make 
the shingles. While finishing the roof I received a letter 
from President Young, 'calling me on a second mission 
to the Sandwich Islands. 

On March 20, 1864, I started to Salt Lake City to 
fill this mission. I had been notified that I would need 
to raise four hundred fifty dollars. I therefore sold my ox 
teams, and otherwise raised all the money I could before 
starting. Albina and children went with me to Draper, 
where I left her with her father. The weather was un- 
usually stormy, and the roads were bad. On March 31st 
we camped on Pioneer creek, near Fillmore. For the 
first time in my life my children cried for bread, when 
I had none to give them. 

Early in the morning, however, Sister McFate, a 
widow, came along and sold me five pounds of flour. At 
Round Valley brethren were owing me twenty- five bushels 
of wheat; but I could not get a bushel, nor a dollar in 
cash. Bishop Jesse Martin came to my rescue and gen- 
erously helped me out of his own pocket. 

April 4, 1864, I stayed over night with Bishop Wil- 
liam McBride, of Santaquin. In the evening a heavy 
snow storm swept over the place; and while we were in 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 125 

his home at supper, a pair of valuable Navajo blankets 
were stolen from my wagon. 

I immediately got out a search warrant, and early 
next morning, with the constable, commenced search. 
Learning that a man had left town before daylight, we 
followed him through Payson to Spanish Fork, where 
we caught him with the blankets. He was tried, con- 
victed, and fined ninety dollars. 

On Sunday, April 10, 1864, I reached Battle Creek, 
and visited my brother-in-law, William Frampton. In 
the night my horses got out of. the stable and strayed off. 
I hunted four days for them, then gave them up. Otir 
friends took us to the city. 

On Friday, April 22, 1864, forty-six missionaries 
met in the historian's office and were set apart for their 
respective missions. 

Apostle Wilford Woodruff blessed me as follows : 
''Brother John R. Young, in the name of the Lord Jesus 
Christ, and by virtue of the Holy Priesthood, we lay our 
hands upon your head and set you apart unto the mis- 
sion whereunto you have been called by the servants of our 
God ; to lift up your warning voice, to preach the Gospel 
to the children of men. 

"We say, go in peace, bearing precious seed ; go trust- 
ing in God. Call upon Him day by day and night by night. 
Follow the dictates of the Holy Spirit in this ministry and 
mission; and inasmuch as you v^ill do this, the blessings 
of the heavens will rest upon you. And you shall rejoice 
before the Most High, because of the blessing that will 
be given unto you in this mission, in bearing the responsi- 



126 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

bility with your brethren in laboring to build up the king- 
dom of God, to warn the nations of the earth, to search 
out the honest in heart wherever you may be sent, to 
gather the people to Zion. We dedicate you unto God, 
and set you apart for this great and glorious mission. 

''You shall go forth in peace and be preserved upon 
the land and upon the water. While the land is full of 
danger, and these dangers will increase, trust in the Lord, 
and all will be well with you. You shall do a good work, 
and bring many souls into the Kingdom of God ; and you 
shall increase in wisdom and the gifts of God. 

''When your mission is ended you shall return in 
peace and joy to your family and friends. We seal upon 
you every blessing you can desire in righteousness, and 
ask our Heavenly Father to preserve you, to give his 
angels charge concerning you, and enable you to do much 
good in your day and generation. All these blessings, to- 
gether with all you may need and require, we confer upon 
you in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen." 

Elder Benjamin Cluff was set apart to be my com- 
panion. Brothers Abram Hatch, John T. Caine, F. A. 
Mitchell, Richard White, and Uncle Brigham were lib- 
eral in helping me on this mission. 



CHAPTER 17. 



Miss Carmichael's Parting Words. — San Francisco. — Orson 
Pratt's Pr-^'-ihecy. Sail for Hawaii. — Delivered From the 
Hands of a Wicked Man. — Visit Walter M. Gibson. — View 
Kawaimanu. 



Wednesday, April 27, 1864. I spent the day visiting 
my dear mother, and passed the night beneath my father's 
hospitable roof. Miss S. E. Carmichael wrote ''A Part- 
ing Word to my Friend John R. Young:'' 

My words are seldom strong, or bright, 

A woman's tones are low. 
And 'tis not much a hand so slight 

Can offer thee, I know, 
'Tis like the quivering breath that wakes 

Where forest leaves are stirred, 
Yet from a friend's true heart it takes 

To thee, a parting word. 

Remember. 

-Remember — hope in thy sorrow, 

Remember — faith in thy prayer. 
Remember — the bright tomorrow 

That dawns on the night's despair. 
Remember — the hearts that love thee 

Are with thee — everywhere. 



128 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

Remember — the path of duty 

When other paths seem fair, 
Remember — the truth's white beauty 

When weak illusions glare, 
Arid should the world defy thee 

Alone its strength to dare. 
Remember — Heaven is nigh thee, 

Remember — God is there. 

A friend's kind thoughts attend thy way 

Where e'er that way may be. 
And so I make remember, 

A parting word to thee. 

On April 28, in company with Elder Benjamin 
Cluff, I took stage for Sacramento. We were six days 
and nights, jolting across the dusty, rut cut deserts. At 
Austin and Egan mining camps, Nevada, hay was two 
hundred dollars per ton and flour 18 cents per pound. 

On May 4th we reached San Francisco, where we 
met Apostles Lorenzo Snow and Ezra T. Benson, re- 
turning from the islands. They had cut Walter M. 
Gibson off the Church, and appointed Joseph F. Smith 
president of the mission. 

I also met and spent six days with Apostle Orson 
Pratt. He was on his way to Austria to introduce the 
Gospel to that nation. He telegraphed to President 
Young to see if my mission could be changed, so that I 
could accompany him. It was thought best, however, 
for me to continue on to the islands. 



MEMOIRS OP JOHN R. YOUNG. 129 

Sunday, May 22, 1864, I accompanied Brother Pratt 
in a walk to the summit of the high cliff west of the 
city. We found a secluded crevice and knelt in prayer. 
He seemed 'Oppressed in spirit, grieving perhaps, over 
the infidelity of his son Orson. While he was talking, 
the Spirit of the Lord came upon him; and he upbraided 
the inhabitants of San Francisco, and prophesied that 
the city should be destroyed by earthquake. 

On Tuesday, May 24, 1864, we sailed second cabin 
on the bark Onward, Hempstead, captain. Brother 
Cluff and I occupied one room with a Missourian named 
McCarty, said to be suffering with consumption. He 
was a large, raw-boned man, of a quarrelsome disposi- 
tion. 

One day Captain Hempstead invited us three to have 
seats on the upper deck with the first-cabin passengers. 
The reason for this courtesy was soon apparent. Among 
the cabin passengers were several ministers; and they 
wanted a little diversion at the expense of the Mormon 
Elders. 

A warm discussion ensued. It was asserted that 
the Mormons were driven from Missouri and Illinois on 
account of their thieving and lawless acts. In my defense 
I challenged the proof of a single dishonest deed, and 
testified that Joseph and Hyrum were innocent, and 
that they were murdered in cold blood. 

Mr. McCarty became angry, and boasted that he 
helped kill Joseph and Hyrum Smith. I told him then 
that by his own confession he was a murderer, and that 
the curse of God was upon him. He w^ould have struck 



130 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

me, but the captain interfered, and made him behave. 

About midnight of the 30th of May, I was awakened 
by McCarty. He was sitting on a stool, in front of his 
bunk; the full moon shining through the window giving 
him a white, ghastly appearance. He told me to get up 
and get him a drink. I replied that the guard passed 
the door every five minutes and would wait upon him. 

He seized a butcher knife, sprang to his feet, and 
swore he would cut the heart out of me. I was lying in 
the middle bunk, and had but little room in which to 
move, and nothing with which to defend myself; but I 
felt I would rather die than do his bidding. I therefore 
silently asked God to deliver me from his power. 

''He took one step forward, threw up both hands, 
and fell backwards. I sprang from the bunk, and raised 
his head, but the man was dead. Brother Cluff called 
the guard, who soon brought the captain and the doctor. 
The latter said he died of heart failure. 

In the morning they sewed him up in a canvas, a 
cannon ball at his feet. I stood by the taff rail, and 
saw the body slide off the plank ; and as I watched it 
sink into the depths of the ocean, I rejoiced that I had 
borne a faithful testimony of God's martyred prophets, 
and was truly grateful that I had been delivered from 
the hands of a wicked man. 

At Honolulu, where we arrived June 10th, we were 
warmly welcomed by Elders Joseph F. Smith, William 
W. Cluff, and the native Saints. In council it was de- 
cided that I should visit Mr. Gibson on Lanai. and if 
possible, recover some Church property that he had 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 131 

possession of, then join Elder A. L. Smith on Maui, and 
with him visit the Saints and reorganize the branches of 
the Church on Maui and Hawaii. 

On the 14th of June, I wrote my Brother Franklin 
W., as follows : "I am waiting for a vessel to Lahaina. 
My first labor will be to visit Mr. Gibson, and try to 
get back several hundred Books of Mormon that he got 
possession of when he first came. He has proved to be 
a deceitful though shrewd and capable man, possessed 
of one absorbing idea, that of founding an empire of the 
Pacific Islands. For that purpose he joined the Church, 
asked for a mission, and commenced at once his empire 
building. 

^'To raise money, he made merchandise of the Priest- 
hood. Under his ''dispensation," he ordained all the 
Saints, both men and women. To be an apostle cost one 
hundred dollars, a deacon, five dollars. He sold our 
meetinghouses, making Lanai the only place where the 
word of the Lord could be given to the people. 

"Clothed in his temple robes, he publicly laid the 
foundation of a temple, using for the chief corner stOne, 
a huge boulder that had drunk the blood of many a vic- 
tim, sacrificed by the idol Avorshipers of Lanai. He 
then covered the stone with brush and tabooed it, giving 
out that if anyone uncovered it, he would be smitten 
with death. 

''While Apostles Snow and Benson were laboring 
with Gibson, trying to bring him to repentance. Elders 
Joseph F. and Alma L. Smith, AV. \Y . Cluff, and Talula, 
Mr. Gibson's daughter, visited the temple site ; and 



132 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG, 

Brother Cluff, with impious hands, pulled the brush away, 
and left the "Consecrated" slaughter rock exposed to rain 
and sun. 

"Mr. Gibson had used the old heathen Hale Pule 
site for the purpose of working upon the superstitions 
of the islanders. In their fear he had enshrined himself 
as a god. Coming into his presence they would prostrate 
themselves in the dust of the earth, and await his bidding 
to arise. 

"But now in a moment, all his power had been swept 
away. From their doors they had seen Elder Cluff dese- 
crate the tabooed stone, and return to them unharmed. 
The charm was broken. Mr. Gibson was cut off the 
Church, and his Polynesian empire soon dissolved. From 
this on, he will be a crownless king, without a kingdom." 

From Lahaina I crossed to Lanai in a whale boat. 
I stayed a week with Mr. Gibson. He surrendered to me 
five hundred Books of Mormon, his temple clothes, and 
a watch that my father had given to him. I recrossed 
the channel to Maui — as usual in a whale boat — and found 
Elder A. L. Smith anxious to learn the success of my 
mission. 

While waiting for dinner, I wrote: 
Lines to Albina. 

This little card on which is traced 

The image of a lovely rose, 
Was given me, by one who shared 

My brightest joys, my deepest woes. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 133 

It is to me a priceless gem, 

A token dearly prized, 
As emblematic of the life 

Of one I idolize. 

I'll place it with my choicest books. 

There shall it linger long 
To mark the place where I may look 

On a favorite author's song. 
And when bright words and noble thoughts 

Kindle my soul aglow, 
I'll think of my wife, as I gaze on the rose 

That is traced on the card below. 

Very dear to me, are the little gifts 

That richer men oft spurn. 
They speak to me of the honest love 

A humble life may earn. 
I will gather them up as flowers that bloom 

Beside the pathway of life ; 
Leaves of affection, wafted from home, 

And kissed by the breath of a wife. 

On June 28, 1864, we sailed on the schooner Kilauea 
for Hawaii. On the 30th, we arrived at Kapaliuka and 
were warmly welcomed by Brother Kanaha and his 
wife Nakiaielua. I have taken much interest in this 
family, on account of their strength of character. 
When Gibson came, Kanaha had no faith in him, and 
refused to gather to Lanai, or to deed his home to 
him. For these sins he was cut off the Church. But 
he continued to hold meetings and kept his little 
flock together until we came. 



134 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

When the old man met us, he wept with joy; and 
we were equally rejoiced to see his integrity and man- 
hood. This branch has been replete with interesting in- 
cidents. Here, during our first coming, Elder Haw- 
kins had been shamefully mobbed. Here Ward E. Pack, 
cast the devil out of two Catholic priests who had incited 
natives to mob him. The act of casting out had greatly 
amused the Kanakas. 

Monday, July 25, 1864, at Waipio. We started on 
foot for Kawaimanu (flying water), a secluded moun- 
tain village, seldom visited by white men, a very fertile 
glade fifteen miles north of Waipio. We had to climb 
a pali two thousand feet in height : a solid rock wall al- 
most perpendicular. When about half way to the top, 
we stepped to the side of the narrow trail and looked 
down on the sea that washed the rock below us. The 
siglit made my head dizzy, and I hurriedly drew back. 
Our path led over the mountain, near some celebrated 
waterfalls. I wrote: 



Our meal of poi, pakai, and shrimps. 

In silence we partake, 
Then with a guide to lead the way. 

The mountain path we take. 
Narrow and winding in its course*. 

And difficult to find. 
The vale below is growing small. 

As upward still we climb. 
And now great drops of sweat appear 

Upon the traveler's brow ; 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 13! 

Reminding me of summer days 
When following the plow. 

Surprised, we meet a mountain maid, 

Wild, Indian-like, and free; 
Around her waist a shirt is tied — 

The custom here, you see. 
She meets us with a smiling face — 

''Which way, strangers?" asked she. 
''We're going to Kawaimanu, 

The waterfalls to see." 

Breathless we reach the mountain crest, 

Where dark winged clouds oft fly ; 
And seldom can the traveler pass 

And keep his jacket dry. 
The natives call it "Pele's tears" — 

Full often doth she w^eep, 
Till torrents gushing from her eyes 

Roll thundering down the steeps. 

For "Pele's" home — at Kilauea, 

In a burning lake of fire, 
Where demons wild, in hideous form, 

Are ever hovering nigh her. 
But why she weeps, they cannot tell ; 

Unless to quench her fever, 
Or else to drown the mystic yells 

Of fiends who never leave her. 

Through forests dense our guide doth lead. 

And vales of tangled fern, 
So green that Neibaur's match receipt 



136 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

Would fail to make them burn. 
The clouds are dark'ning o'er our heads ; 

And yonder on our right, 
The craggy peaks in vapors black 

Are hidden from our sight. 

Hurrah, we see the waterfall — 

Three thousand feet or more 
From cliff to cliff three noble streams 

Their foaming waters pour. 
They're leaping from the battling clouds 

That clothe in darkness now. 
The storm-scarred cliffs, and snow-crowned peaks 

Of Mauna Keas brow. 
In foaming sheets, the cloud streams leap, 

Sending back roar for roar, 
In answer to the deafening crash 

That peals from ocean's shore. 

The music of the universe 
Is never silent here — 

By day or night the sea surf's song- 
Rings in the peasant's ear. 

And when I wake, and gaze upon 
The authors of that song, 

I see the ocean's vast expanse; 
The mountains buhvark strong. 

For endless ages they have stood : 
Eternities to come, 

May listen to Waimanus flood, 
And the ocean's ceaseless song. 

After crossing twelve deep canyons and descend- 
ing a pali half a mile in height, we reached the village 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 137 

and were kindly entertained by the few Saints who re- 
side here. \A''e held three meetings, baptized three per- 
sons, and organized a branch of the Church. We re- 
mained one month on Hawaii, visiting the Saints a;id 
organizing branches to the best of our ability. 

On the .5th of August we sailed for Maui, and 
landed on the 6th at Malia. Here we met President 
Joseph F. Smith, who in those days, -as now, was al- 
ways active, and thoughtful for others. He met us on 
the beach with horses, and a hearty welcome. A two 
hours' ride brought us to Waialuku, where I received 
several home letters. The cheerfulness of my family was 
a comfort to me. As the gentle dews of heaven give 
life, beauty, and freshness to the flowers of the field, so 
good news from loved ones cheers, animates, and 
strengthens my heart, fills my bosom with joy, and makes 
me a happier, and I hope, a better man. 



to 



CHAPTER 18. 

Conference at VYailuku. — Return to Honolulu. — Sail for Home. 
— Mian Overboard. 

1 

On Sunday, August 14, 1864, a conference was held 
at Wailuku, with sixty members present. Arrangements 
were made to build a new meetinghouse, Gibson having 
sold the old one which was built ten years ago. 

President Joseph F. Smith testified that the Saints, 
in following Mr. Gibson's teaching, had departed from 
the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and had become darkened 
in their minds. ''As soon as you manifest works meet 
for repentance," said he, "we will let you' renew your 
covenants by baptism, and then we will place upon you 
the responsibility of preaching the Gospel to this nation." 

Monday, August 15, 1864. T had the pleasure of 
accompanying President Smith on a visit to Elder George 
Raymond at Waihu. After dinner, we rode up to the 
mountain, following a deep canyon, until we came to a 
beautiful orange grove, the property of George Raymond. 
The native brethren asked President Smith to rebaptize 
them. The request was granted, and I went into the 
water, a pure mountain stream, and baptized Kanahuna- 
hupu, George Raymond, and Kapule, three intelligent and 
staunch defenders of the Gospel. We next confirmed and 
blessed them. 

On the 25th, I accompanied President Smith to La- 
haina, and visited His Excellencv, Governor Kauwahi. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 139 

He was once an active elder in the Church, and aided 
President George Q. Cannon in translating the Book of 
Mormon. On the 26th President Smith sailed for Hono- 
lulu. Alma L. Smith went to East Maui, while I labored 
in the vicinity of Lahaina. On Saturday, Sister Mary 
Kou, my makau honi, (adopted mother) was thrown 
from a horse and seriously injured. I administered to 
her, and she was instantly healed. 

On Sunday, September 4, 1864, I received a letter 
from my brother Franklin W., enclosing a twenty dollar 
greenback, for which I was very thankful. Brother Alma 
L. Smith returned from East Maui. We labored together, 
visiting the Saints, earnestly desiring their welfare. We 
were diligent, holding many meetings, bearing testimonies, 
and administering to the sick. 

By letter from President Smith, we were instructed 
to arrange our labors so as to visit Honolulu about the 
25th of this month. Friday, September 23rd, we sailed 
for that city on the steamer Kilauea, deck passage, reach- 
ing there on the 24th. We were kindly received by Presi- 
dent Joseph F. Smith and William W. Cluff. 

September 30th we held a council meeting. A letter 
from President Young was read, suggesting that Elders 
Joseph F. Smith, William W. Cluff, and Alma L. Smith 
return home, and that John R. Young preside over the 
mission, assisted by Benjamin Cluff. 

At this time my family was residing at St. George, 
and their destitute condition preyed upon my mind. 

In associating with the brethren, I had read my home 
letters to them. The spirit of these letters, cheerful and 



140 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

self-sacrificing under severe trials, enlisted the sympathy 
of the brethren ; and it was decided in council that I should 
return home. Therefore, on Wednesday, October 12, 
1864, in company with Joseph F. Smith, William W. 
Cluff, and Sister Albion Burnham and three children, I 
sailed on the bark Onward for San Francisco. 

Sister Burnham was the widow of George Albion 
Burnham, who had received the Gospel during the open- 
ing of the mission by President George Q. Cannon and his 
co-laborers. Brother Burnham had been valiant in de- 
fense of the Elders. At a period of cruel persecution in 
Honolulu; and his manly battle in rescuing Phillip B. 
Lewis and William Farrar from the hands of a drunken 
mob, endeared him and his family to the Elders of the 
Hawaiian mission. On our second mission we found the 
widow in the depths of poverty, and resolved, on our re- 
lease, to take the family home with us. To this end, 
President Smith gave me fifty dollars from the Salt 
Lake mission fund to aid in gathering Sister Burnham. 

On Saturday, October 15th we were still in sight of 
land, about eighty miles north of Oahu : no wind, a calm 
sea, and a full moon making a beautiful evening. At ten 
p. m., I was sitting on deck talking with the mate, Mr. 
Ferrier, when I noticed that the man on the forward 
watch acted strangely. I said to the mate, "That man 
wants to jump overboard." 

In a few minutes I went to my room, and had just 
taken off my shoes when I heard the mate call, "A man 
overboard!" I ran on deck, seized a rope, and threw it 
to the man, striking him on the head. He looked at me. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG, 141 

and swam from the ship. I ran up the rigging, and 
watched him until a boat was lowered. Then I gave 
directions to the captain, and he with a speaking trumpet, 
directed the crew, until they picked him up. The man's 
name was Barstowe. The next morning Mr. Ferrier 
harpooned two sharks, one of them over eleven feet 
long — not a very pleasant prospect for a would-be sui- 
cide. 

Our passage was long and tedious, owing to the 
many calms that overtook us; yet on November 4th it 
became evident that we were nearing land ; for the water 
had lost its clear blue color, and was becoming black 
and filthy. That day we saw a school of porpoises, rush- 
ing to and fro as if frightened, and casting up a wall of 
white spray as far north as the eye could see. We also 
saw several whales. It is a novel sight — these huge mon- 
sters sporting in the mighty deep, lashing the waves 
with their fan-shaped tails, and spouting columns of water 
high into the air ! 

At noon the wind sprang up from the north, and 
steadily increased until at nine p. m. it blew a gale. The 
sea became very rough, the waves dashing over the cabin 
deck in great violence, and causing dishes and boxes to 
be rolled in confusion over the cabin floor. At midnight 
the storm suddenly ceased, and we could hear the waves 
breaking on a distant shore. The captain sounded, and 
finding we were in shoal water, cast anchor and waited 
for daylight. 

On Saturday, November 5, 1864, at six a. m., a 
heavy fog was hanging over us, AVe could hear bells 



142 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

f 

ringing, and see several red lights. At nine o'clock the 
fog lifted, and I counted twenty ships anchored near us. 
At ten, a light wind from the north enabled the fleet to 
pass through the Golden Gate into a beautiful bay ; and at 
three p. 'm. we lay along side the wharf at San Francisco. 

As heretofore, we found a warm welcome at Brother 
Dwight Eyeleth's home. In the evening, I witnessed for 
the first time, a political torch-light procession. It was 
said forty thousand people were on the street rejoicing 
at Abraham Lincoln's re-election. Soon after our arrival, 
President Young telegraphed us to wait until the 20th. 
In the meanwhile I crossed the bay to visit the Honorable 
John M. Horner, to me a wonderful man. 

Mr. Horner told me that when he was a boy Joseph 
the Prophet, and Oliver Cowdery had called on the Horner 
family. John M. wanted to visit with the young prophet ; 
but his father insisted that he finish hoeing a piece of 
corn given him as a stint. Joseph, on learning of it, took 
off his coat, asked for a hoe, and helped finish the task. 
The sequel : John M. Horner was baptized by Oliver Cow- 
dery, and confirmed and blessed by Joseph Smith, who 
predicted that the earth should yield abund(antly at 
Brother Horner's behest. In California, Brother Horner 
at one time paid a tithe of twenty thousand dollars, the 
fruit of agriculture. Contemplating this remarkable 
piece of history, I wrote a poem, "The Young Men's 
Pledge," which is published in the appendix of this vol- 
ume. 

On the 10th of November, having returned to San 
Francisco, I learned from Sister Margaret Curtis of Salt 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 143 

Lake — with the aid of her models — to cut dresses; and 
while selling models, I did considerable missionary work. 
As a new departure, Elder Cluff and I visited an or- 
ganized community of harlots, taking tea with them, and 
holding a meeting. I spoke with great freedom, assur- 
ing my fallen sisters ' that the Gospel of Jesus Christ 
would correct all the evils of society, giving honorable 
companionship and lawful motherhood to every intelli- 
gent woman in the world. 

On Sunday, November 20, 1864, I met Elders 
Francis A. Hammond and George Nebeker direct from 
Salt Lake City on their way to the islands, to select and 
purchase a gathering place for the Hawaiian Saints. It 
seemed a wise movement, and I hoped it would prosper. 
In council, it was arranged for Elder Joseph F. Smith 
and William W. Cluff to go home by stage, while I took 
their baggage, and Sister Burnham and children, and 
worked my way home by way of San Bernardino. 

On Wednesday November 23rd. we sailed on the 
bark J. B. Ford, under Captain Knife, for San Pedro. We 
encountered heavy storms, and were nine days making a 
four-day voyage. On the 26th, I was afflicted with severe 
pain in my back and left side. After I had suffered twelve 
hours, the disease settled in my bowels, and brought on 
vomiting and cramping. For three days I took large 
doses of laudanum, and poulticed my body with mus- 
tard. 

I finally lost my speech, but knew everything going 
on around me. I heard the captain tell the steward to 
have the canvas and cannon ball ready, so they could bury 



144 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

me without delay. It grieved me to die away from home, 
and I prayed earnestly that I might live. 

When they went out of my room, an elderly person, 
dressed in home-made clothes, came in. He knelt down 
by me, and, placing his hands upon my head, blessed me. 
I went to sleep, and when I awoke, it was morning. I 
dressed, and went on deck, to the surprise of the captain. 
I have always believed that the person who visited me was 
my Grandfather Young, and that his administration pre- 
served my life. 

On Saturday, December 2nd, we landed at Wilming- 
ton, near San Pedro. I gave Mr. Pedro a freighter, 
twenty dollars to haul us to San Bernardino, where we 
arrived on December 5tli. Here we were kindly cared for 
by Brother and Sister Kelting. After resting a few days 
I hired a room for Sister Burnham, while I found a home 
with the family of Colonel Alden A. M. Jackson. 

Toward spring George Garner went to Utah with 
several loads of honey. I persuaded him to haul Sister 
Burnham and children to my home in St. George, and 
Brother Smith's and Cluff's baggage to Payson. Through 
my efforts Brother Jackson caught the spirit of gather- 
ing, purchased two teams, and Sister Jackson and two 
daughters moved to St. George. I drove one of the teams 
for my passage home. 

Needless to say, my return was a pleasant surprise 
to my family. The people in Dixie were having a hard 
struggle. Flour was twenty-five dollars a hundred ; my 
family had only a week's provisions in the house, and 
where the next would come from they did not know. For 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. US 

months they had been without fire-wood, save as they 
went to the hills, grubbed up brush and carried it home. 

I applied at the tithing office at St. George for pro- 
visions for Sister Burnham, but they did not have it. I 
then got a team and moved Sister Burnham aild family to 
Parowan, where Bishop William H. Dame cheerfully un- 
dertook to care for them. Returning to St. George, I 
went to work to support my family; but I had scarcely 
time to put in a few acres of wheat before I was called 
to serve in a military capacity. 

The Black Hawk war was spreading terror among 
our southeastern frontier settlements, causing many of 
them to be abandoned. I enrolled in Captain Willis Cope- 
land's company of scouts, and was elected first lieutenant. 
I aided Colonel J. L. Peirce in moving the settlers from 
Long Valley and Kanab. As soon as that task was ac- 
complished, I was called to labor among the Indians, and 
spent the summer with Jacob Hamblin and John Mangum 
in cultivating friendly relations with the Kaibab tribes. 

During the winter of 1866, with Jacob Hamblin, Ira 
Hatch, Thales Haskel, and others, I visited the Moqui In- 
dians. The trip was fraught with hardship and danger, 
as the Navajos were on the warpath. On our return trip, 
we crossed the Colorado on a flood-wood raft. There 
were forty-seven men in the company, and we had to 
make five trips, which took all day. I worked from morn- 
ing till night on the raft, my feet in the cold water and 
my body perspiring from exertion. 

That night I was seized with* cramping colic. In 
the morning we had to move on, as we were out of pro- 



146 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

visions. It hurt me to ride on horseback, but I had to do 
so or be left to die. At Kanab they found the running 
gears of an old wagon. On this they put two poles, and 
swung me in a hammock between them; then making 
harness of* ropes, they hauled me to Washington, my 
home. 

They had given me twenty-two pills and a pint of 
castor oil ; and I carried that load in my stomach nine days 
without relief. 

Doctors Israel Ivins and Silas G. Higgins came from 
St. George" five days in succession, then gave me up. 
Bishop Covington, a dear friend, came and dedicated me, 
that I might die without further suffering. But my wife 
Albina would not relinquish me. She sent for a humble 
elder, Albert Tyler, and when he came, they two admin- 
istered to me, and I was instantly healed. For some time 
I had been unconscious, but I awoke, as it were, from a 
dream. I wanted to get up, but my wife, with tears of 
joy, persuaded me to rest until morning. Then I dressed, 
and rode in a lumber wagon to St. George, to attend the 
Stake conference. 

On November 9, 1867, I was ordained a high priest, 
and set apart to act as a high councilor in the St. George 
Stake, by Apostle Erastus Snow, who had been ordained 
an apostle by Brigham Young, who had been ordained an 
apostle by Joseph Smith and the three witnesses on Feb- 
ruary 14, 1835. Joseph Smith was ordained an apostle 
by Peter, James and John, and they were ordained apostles 
by the Son of God Himself. 

In 1867 I went to Pine Valley and drove five yoke 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG, U7 

of oxen as a logging team for Bishop Robert Gardner. 
In 1868 I rented Eli Whipple's saw mill. Soon after, on 
attending conference at St. George, I was called to the 
stand by President Young, who gave me a seat by his 
side, talked kindly to me, made many inquiries in regard 
to my financial circumstances, advised me not to work in 
the saw mill, as I was not strong enough for that kind of 
labor, and said if I would move to Washington, he would 
give me labor in the factory he was building. 

I returned to Pine Valley, made settlement with 
Brother Whipple, and was released from the mill. I next 
sold my little farm on the Clara for six hundred dollars, 
and moved to Washington, where I labored three years in 
the cotton factory at good wages. 

On the 30th of May, 1868, William R. Terry, my 
wife Albina's father, died at St. George. He had ever 
been a help to me. When I was on missions he farmed 
my land, and cared for my family as if they were his own. 
In his death, I lost one of my best counselors and my 
truest friend. 

In the meantime, my Brother Joseph W. had been 
appointed president of the St. George Stake. I was sin- 
cerely attached to him, and his counsel had great weight 
with me. By his request, I took my families, Albina 
and Tamar, to the Pipe Spring Ranch, near Kanab, and 
boarded the workmen who were building Windsor Fort. 
When that building was erected, Joseph W. desired me 
to make a home at Kanab. At first I felt reluctant to do 
so for I had built a large rock house at Washington, just 
west of the cotton factory. It was a pleasant situation. 



148 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

My family was beginning to be comfortable, our vineyard 
was bearing fruit, and I dreaded to break up and begin 
pioneer life again. 

While in this state of mind, my cousins Joseph A., 
and Brigham Young, and Ferra M. Little visited our 
southern settlements. It was decided to make a trip to 
Kanab. Ferra M. and James A. Little, Joseph A. and 
Brigham Young, Joseph W. and John R. Young — broth- 
ers in pairs and all cousins — comprised the party. The 
climate and soil of Kanab being adapted for fruit, and 
there being excellent facilities for stock raising, the town 
gave promise of becoming a place of considerable import- 
ance. Accordingly Joseph W., Joseph A., Ferra and 
James A. secured city lots, and I also yielded to the influ- 
ence. Having secured a building spot, I immediately 
moved to Kanab, fenced four lots and planted a vine- 
yard. 

About this time the line between Utah and Nevada 
was surveyed, and the settlements on the Muddy proved 
to be in Nevada. The Nevada assessor at once visited our 
settlements and required the people to pay the back taxes 
for the five years they had been there. 

President Young promptly advised breaking up the 
settlements rather than pay the unjust tax. I sent a four- 
horse team to assist the Saints in moving away. Many of 
them, who still had homes in Utah, were counseled to re- 
turn to them ; those not so fortunate were advised to make 
homes in Long Valley. Being called to go to Long 
Valley to assist Joseph W., I sold my home at Washing- 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 149 

ton for eighteen hundred dollars, and invested in a saw 
mill, and a ranch near it. 

In the spring of 1873, my Brother Joseph W., with 
a company of brethren, was working a road over the 
"Devil's Backbone," near Lee's ferry, Arizona, when he 
received a partial sunstroke, from which he never fully 
recovered. He was further prostrated by overwork, tak- 
ing stock and branding cattle at the church Pipe Spring 
ranch. Being conveyed to his home at St. George, he 
was tenderly nursed by his family and friends. He suf- 
fered much, and became very weak in body ; but his mind 
remained clear and active to the end. 

My brother was superintendent of the building of the 
St. George temple, and felt great anxiety in regard to 
that work. The telegrams I received of his condition at 
length alarmed me. Saddling my horse, and being ac- 
companied by my father-in-law, W. M. Black, I went 
to St. George, and stayed with him thereafter until he 
died. 

On meeting me, he rejoiced, saying I had saved his 
life at Florence; and if it could be done, I would save it 
again. In private, he told me that a messenger had visited 
him and told him that his name had been presented before 
a council of the priesthood behind the veil ; that a man of 
experience, of integrity, and of purity of life was wanted 
for the ministry in the Spirit World ; that he (Joseph) 
had one blemish. He had not strictly kept the Word of 
Wisdom as he had always used tea. He then expressed 
a wish to be carried to Salt Lake City before he died. 

I consulted President Alexander F. McDonald, and 



150 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

Doctor Higgins. The former advised me to be careful 
and not do anything I should regret in after life. Doc- 
tor Higgins said that if he was moved it v^ould kill him. 
I told Joseph what these brethren said. He took hold 
of my hand and replied, 

"Johnny, I know what I am doing, and while I live 
I shall preside. Will you carry out my wishes, or must 
I get someone else to serve me?" 

I promised to do all that he wished me to do. He 
then gave minute directions how to fix his wagon and 
how to arrange a spring bed for him to ride on. I pro- 
posed to make a litter and have brethren from the differ- 
ent settlements carry him by relays, but he over-ruled me. 
Everything was consequently done as he desired. 

The first day we moved hi'm to Washington, and 
he stood the ride well. The next day, while crossing the 
Harrisburg bench, we encountered a hot wind, which 
seemed to smother him. I saw that he was failing, and 
asked if we should turn back. He raised his head, looked 
around and said no, but to drive on as long as he lived. 
In due time we reached Harrisburg, and camped under 
some large shade trees. 

Here President Alexander F. McDonald and David 
H. Cannon drove up in a buggy. Brother McDonald went 
to Joseph and spoke about some dispatches he had just re- 
ceived from Arizona while I went to care for the team. 
In a few minutes Brother McDonald called me, and I saw 
that Joseph was dying. I raised him a little and held 
him in my arms. He motioned for his wife Lurana to 
come, and having embraced her, put her gently away, 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 151 

and took hold of my hand. His mind now began to wan- 
der. ''Brethren," he said, ''be careful on that temple wall, 
and don't let the chisel fall." 

These were the last words of Joseph W. Young. We 
returned to St .George, and all the people mourned. I 
telegraphed for his wife Julia and Sister Harriet, who 
traveled by team a hundred miles, through the heat, sand, 
and dust, to get one last look at the loved one's remains. 

His death occurred on June 7, 1873. John W. 
Young was appointed his successor in the presidency of 
the St. George Stake. 



CHAPTER 19. 

Unit^ed Order. — Indian Troubles. — Mission to England. 

In the winter of 1873 and 1874 President Young 
visited Dixie, and taught the people the principles of 
the United Order. I received a letter from him request- 
ing me to meet him at Rockville. I took my son Ferra, 
then a lad of eig'ht years, and crossed the mountain on 
horseback. The snow was three feet deep on the divide, 
and the weather stormy. In fact, we faced a blizzard for 
eight hours. When we reached Rockville, the afternoon 
meeting was in session, the house being packed, and peo- 
ple standing in the aisles. President Young, having called 
me to the stand, and there being no room to pass, the 
brethren lifted me up and I walked forward from shoulder 
to shoulder. 

The interest in the president's message was intense, 
and the awakening general in the south. I attended ten 
meetings and listened to the prophet at every one of them. 
How great was my joy! I felt that an era of prosperity 
and happiness had dawned upon the Saints. How pointed 
and rich were the instructions ! ''Give your hearts to God." 
"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." 
''The way the world does business is a sin before God." 
"If you are not one in temporal things, how can you be 
one in spiritual things?" 
• All these utterances, it seemed to me, pointed to the 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 153 

happy time when there would be no poor in Zion, and 
the idler should not eat the bread of the laborer. I re- 
ceived a written appointment, signed by Brigham Young 
and George A. Smith, authorizing and instructing me to 
visit our southeastern frontier settlements and organize 
them into working companies in the United Order; the 
object being to enable them to become self-sustaining by 
encouraging home production. 

With Bishop Levi Stewart I visited and organized 
the Pahreah branch. I also organized working companies 
at Glendale and Mt. Carmel in Long Valley. I was sus- 
tained as president of the working companies in Kanab, 
while Levi Stewart was sustained as bishop of the ward. 
This was wrong in principle, and led to division, retard- 
ing the growth of the ward. 

In the winter of 1874, four Navajos, the sons of a 
chief, were on a visit to the Utes. On the return trip, as 
they were camped one morning in a deserted house in 
Circle Valley, they were set upon by some stockmen, led 
by Mr. McCarty, and three of the Indians were killed. 
The fourth one was severely wounded, an ounce ball hav- 
ing passed clear through his body, just below the shoulder 
blades ; yet he lived, traveled one hundred miles over 
mountains and deep snow, swam the Colorado river, 
reached his home, and told his story. 

The Navajos believed the Mormons to be the perpe- 
trators of this cruel tragedy. Two Mormon families and 
a few Indian missionaries were living at the Moancopy 
and Mawab}^ Peokon, a war chief, visited these and de- 
manded two hundred head of cattle as pay for their mur- 



154 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

dered sons, and thirty days was given in which to get the 
stock. 

John L. Blythe and Ira Hatch dispatched the word to 
Bishop Stewart and me, and we telegraphed it to Presi- 
dent Young. Upon receipt of the message, John W. 
Young telegraphed for me to raise a company of men 
and bring the families and all the missionaries to this side 
of the Colorado river, and leave the Navajos alone until 
they should learn who their friends are. 

Andrew S. Gibbons of Glendale, Thomas Chamber- 
lain of Mt. Carmel, and Frank Hamblin of Kanab, with 
six men each, responded promptly to the call. We reached 
the Moancopy two days before the time set by the Navajos 
to make their onslaught. I found my task a hard and deli- 
cate one. Jacob Hamblin and John L. Blythe were older 
and more experienced in frontier life than I. Each of 
them, moreover, was presiding in some capacity over that 
particular mission, and so they were reluctant to yield to 
my counsel and suggestions. I have always felt thank- 
ful to Frank Hamblin and Ira Hatch; for, by reason of 
the loyal manner in which they supported me, the task 
was accomplished without loss or accident of any kind. 
This was my last labor in Indian matters. 

In 1876 Bishop Stewart and I were released from 
our positions, and L. John .Nuttall of Provo was sent to 
preside. I was disheartened at the way things had gone. 
and believing that my days of usefulness at Kanab was 
ended, I returned to Long Valley, and associated myself 
with Orderville United Order. In this community I 
formed valued acquaintances and cherished friendships. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 155 

The people were poor, humble, and prayerful, and there- 
fore fruitful in faith and good works. Had President 
Brigham Young lived, the history of that community 
would have been different. For the good I witnessed I 
have words of praise; for the faults, only charity and 
silence. 

The problems of cooperative labor, equal wages, and 
boardinghouse economy were not fairly tested ; the future 
may give these questions a test under more favorable con- 
ditions. The fact is that in the death of Brigham Young, 
Orderville lost its guiding star and pilot. 

In the spring of 1877 I was called on a mission to 
England. The health of my family was not good, and 
I felt sad at leaving them; but I responded to the call, 
trusting that the sacrifice would bring its blessing. 

On the 20th of April T started for England, in com- 
pany with Elder Samuel Claridge. We left home in a 
snow storm. The brethren of Orderville, having given me 
a pair of carriage horses, I sold them to my Brother Wil- 
liam G. and thereby purchased a good outfit. Our com- 
pany of missionaries traveled in care of Apostle Joseph 
F. Smith, going by rail to New York, then by cabin pas- 
sage, first-class steamer, to Liverpool. The journey both 
by land and sea was pleasant and interesting. 

Upon reaching England, I was appointed to labor in 
Wales, under the presidency of Samuel Leigh. He was 
ever kind and fatherly to me. On July 3, 1877, in com- 
pany with Elder Joseph W. Taylor, I spent the day down 
in the Dyfern coal mine. The pit is seven hundred feet 



156 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

deep and employs four hundred fifty hands — men, boys, 
and women. 

It has a thirty-horse-power steam engine, and forty- 
two horses down in the pit. The property is worth one 
million dollars. 

While in the mine we were joined by the govern- 
ment mine inspector from London. He was curious to 
hear a Mormon elder preach, and prevailed upon the 
superintendent to signal the miners together, and devote 
an hour to a meeting. 

I spoke forty minutes on the first principles of the 
Gospel, and its restoration. I found the Welsh people 
warm-hearted and excitable. The history of the Welsh 
Saints abounds in incidents of marvelous healings and 
spiritual manifestations of God's power. 

August 31st I visited Tredagar, and held meeting 
in St. George's Hall. I preached to a large gathering 
of people, and two native elders followed me, bearing 
powerful testimonies. » On September 1st I walked to 
Merthyr and received the following telegram: 

"John R. Young : President Brigham Young died 
yesterday, August 29th, at four p. m., of inflammation 
of the bowels, superinduced by cholera morbus. Re- 
ceived cablegram this morning. — Signed Joseph F. 
Smith." 

On Sunday, September 2, 1877, our meeting was 
well attended by Saints from the neighboring branches. 
Elders Leigh, Rowland, Joseph W. Taylor, Walter J. 
Lewis, and Thomas F. Howells from Utah were present. 
The news of President Young's death had spread, causing 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 157 

this gathering. The meetings were addressed by all the 
valley elders. 

The Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon us ; and 
many comforting words were spoken. I bore testimony 
of the purity and prophetic power of Brigham Young's 
life, and the Saints returned home, strengthened in their 
faith and determination to serve God. 

I labored four months in Wales, and formed many 
pleasant acquaintances; but it would be unjust to name 
a few, when all were so kind to me. I walked eight hun- 
dred miles, preached seven- y times, and wrote forty- five 
letters. I was satisfied with my work ; I had been humble, 
faithful, and diligent; the result I left with my Heavenly 
Father. 



CHAPTER 20. 

Transferred to the Bristol Conference. — A Remarkable Woman. 
— My Views of Celestial Marriage. 

On Monday, October 1, 1877, I bade goodbye to 
Elder Joseph H. Parry — who 'h^d succeeded Samuel 
Leigh as president of the Welsh Conference — and to 
Walter J. Lewis, and the Saints of Cardiff, and went 
to Bristol, where I was kindly received by President Dan- 
iel Jacobs. And now comes a repetition of my experience 
in Wales. Day after day, with carpet sack in hand, I 
w^alked alone; talking by the wayside, preaching when- 
ever opportunity presented in churches, or in the open 
air, and yet we seemed to accomplish but little good. 

On October 12th, in company with President Jacobs, 
I visited Cheltenham. This is a beautiful city: broad, 
clean streets, elegant dwellings, and beautiful grounds. 
We lodged with Brother James Bishop. I became very 
much attached to this family. On October 17th,' we 
walked ten miles to Clifford Mesne, visited John Wad- 
ley, brother of William Wadley of Pleasant Grove, Utah. 
In the evening we visited father and mother Wadley, and 
stayed over night with them. 

October 18th, we walked ten miles over a hilly, well- 
timbered country, and crossed over Maiden Hill, said to 
be the highest mountain in England ; visited Sister 
Martha Burris, at Little Dean Hill. This sister has long 
been a member of the Church, and keeps an open house 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 159 

for our Elders, and has done so for the past 20 years, 
yet her husband and only son are not in the Church. 

I received letters from Howard O. Spencer and 
Samuel Claridge. October 27th, we visited Father Ler- 
well of East Down, South Molten, Devonshire. He is an 
independent farmer, and has a good home. He made us 
welcome, and we stayed two weeks, holding evening and 
Sabbath meetings in his large kitchen. It was a good 
time. I wrote a letter to Thomas Robertson, from which 
I copy : 

I have traveled far, I have traveled wide, 
From Atlantic's shore to Pacific's tide; 
Yet of all I have seen, I love Utah the best, 
And my Orderville home, far away in the west. 

.( 
I know that in Old England there are many lovely homes. 
Where wealth and pleasure linger, and sorrow seldom 

comes. 
I see within the shady grove, the ivy-covered walls, 
And graveled walks, all lined with flowers, that lead to 

painted halls. 

The ostrich and the pea fowl are seen upon the lawn. 

Displaying robes of beauty, as at Creation's dawn ; 

But round the park and palace are wall, and gate, and 

bar. 
Cannon, and spear and halbert, accoutrements of war. 
And when the gate swings open, I see the glistening steel 
That speaks in tones of thunder, "Behold the power we 

wield!" 



160 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

I look across the gateway, and catch a gleam of smoke 
That rises from a thatched roof, beneath a tangled copse. 
No voice of pleasure soundeth there — no graveled walk 

is seen — 
No peac6ck strutting on the lawn as proud as Egypt's 

queen ! 
But there are rags, and naked feet, and cheeks all wan 

and pale ! 
And hacking cough, and fretful voice of over-work and 

pain! 

O yes, it is a goodly thing to be a lordling born — 

To have the serf, who tills the soil, bring in the wine and 

oil ; 
But I would rather face the blast of Nebo's snow-capped 

dome, 
Than be a slave, and dwell within the proudest Briton's 

home ! 

I 

On November 17th, I wrote to my daughter Lydia: 

'T am glad that Brother A and H have gone 

back to Leeds. All who come to Orderville hankering 
for leeks and. onions, and the flesh pots of Egypt' will 
assuredly be dissatisfied, and go away. It requires faith 
to enable a person to overcome selfishness ; and all who 
gather there expecting to be made the lead horse in the 
team will be disappointed. And when the disappoint- 
ment comes, it will cause them to feel that the water is 
not good, and they will sigh for the soft streams of Rama- 
liah, and prefer to labor in the brick kilns of Pharaoh on 
the shores of the Silver Reef. 

''There is one thing that I desire to see changed at 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 161 

Orderville : that is the school system. How long shall 
we be penn3^-wise, and pound- foolish ? The best man, 
the wisest, the one who wields the most influence in 
the community, should be placed at the head of the school 
department. It wants a man of good government, a 
man filled with the Spirit of God. Then will our children 
advance in mental culture and spiritual development; 
keeping pace with the spiritual growth so nobly mani- 
fested at Orderville. 

''You are now fifteen years of age — in stature a 
woman. The mind ought to develop with the body. Culti- 
vate a taste for good reading. Write as much as you 
can. Be sure never to walk out nights. Keep company 
with no man who presumes to take liberties with a lady. 
Guard your chastity and virtue as you would your life. 
Robbed of that, you are robbed indeed. 

'T believe there is not a man or woman in Order- 
ville who would, upon reflection, do a sinful act; but all 
are tempted, and in a thoughtless moment good people 
sometimes fall. Sin brings us under bondage. Purity 
is perpetuated only by eternal vigilance. In the beauti- 
ful morning of life guide your feet far from the paths 
of wantonness, and keep the lamp of prudence burnyig 
in your heart; so shall 3/0U end your days in peace." 

On Thursday, November 22nd, Ave walked twelve 
miles to John Hatt's, Chalcutt Hill, Wilts. The walk 
was made disagreeable by heavy showers of rain, and 
terrific gales of wind. Sister Hatt is a tall, healthy- 
looking woman, fifty-four years of age, and the mother 
of fourteen living children. On November 23rd, I re- 



162 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

ceived from Sister M. A. Tippitts, a view of Swanage, 
Isle of Purbeck. On the back of the card I wrote the 
following lines, then sent it to my wife Albina : 

"This beautiful isle, the isle of Purbeck, 
To look on the map, is but a mere speck. 
But once reach the shore, set foot on the land. 
You'll find it as large as the palm of your hand. 
And the surface as green — as green-sward can be, 
From the crown of the hill to the shore of the sea — 
While cottage and palace erected by man, 
Add beauty and polish to nature's first plan. 
How grand and sublime are the works of our God, 
From mountain and dale, to flower and sod ! 
The streams of pure water, the bird in the air. 
The life and the Hght we see everywhere ! 
The heart must be happy — how can it be sad ? 
When the beast and the bird, and all things are glad? 
And I too, am happy — yet thinking of thee 
I wish I could walk on the waves of the sea, 
Or fly through the air with the speed of a dove, 
To my home in the west, to the friends that I love. 
Though our clay hills are. naked, and valleys are bare, 
Yet the spirit of freedom is hovering there ; 
^While here ,the strong hand of oppression is seen 
Clouding the glory of Nature's bright scenes — 
Then blest be the day, and happy the hour 
When I can return to Freedom's fair bower." 



November 24th, we visited Sister Mary Hatt, who 
has been suffering for twenty-seven years with rheuma- 
tism. Her hands and feet are sadly deformed, her legs 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 163 

doubled up, and her arms crooked; for three years she 
has been bedfast, and not able to feed herself. She is 
eighty-seven years old, yet retains all the powers of her 
mind. She knows fifty Latter-day Saint hymns by heart, 
and can repeat many chapters of the Book of Mormon. 
She never murmurs, but rather is cheerful and happy, 
waiting for death to set her free. AVe had a pleasant 
talk with her, blessed her, and returned to our lodgings 
feeling well paid for our six mile walk. 

On Saturday, December 1, 1877, I visited the so- 
called White Horse of Westbury. The picture is made 
by cutting away the green turf and exposing the under- 
lying white chalk, on the brow of a hill that can be seen 
for many miles around. At a distance, the horse looks 
.as natural as life. After I had taken measurements, I 
wrote to my little son Ferra : 

'The White Horse of W^estbury." 

I saw a horse upon the plain, 

A horse of great renown ; 
His equal I have never seen 

Walking above the ground. 
Most beautiful in form and limb. 

His skin of spotless snow, 
I longed to be upon his back, 

But could not make him go. 
This horse in size is hard to beat — 

From nose to tail I measure — 
It is one hundred and seventy feet; 

Now isn't he a treasure? 



164 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG, 

To know the height we stretched a hne 

From hoof to top of shoulder — 
One hundred and twenty feet we find, 

And he's daily growing older ! 
A horse so big I'm sure would make 

A team for any man — 
E'en Jacobs thinks he'd cut a wake • 

If he but owned a span. 
And so would I, you bet your hat, 

I'd have a jolly bust — 
I'd take him down to London town 

And swap him off for dust. 
I'd want a penny for each hour 

That he has stood alone — 
I'd want a crown for every pound 

Of flesh, without a bone; 
Or I would sell him by his age — 

(Not sell him as he runs) 
For he has stood a thousand years. 

Exposed to rains and suns! 
He stands erect upon the hill, 

As proud as proud can be, 
To mark the place where Alfred wise 

Gained his great victory. 
For whip or spur he will not budge, 

And yet he will not balk. 
This is a fact, and not a fudge, 

For he is made of chalk. 



On Sunday, December 2nd, 1877, we held meeting 
in the Saints' Hall, Bristol. President Jacobs delivered 
an excellent discourse on the first principles of the Gos- 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 165 

pel. I followed, showing that Mormonism is not a new 
Gospel, but is the very Gospel of Jesus Christ renewed 
in its purity as taught eighteen hundred years ago, by 
the savior and His apostles. The meeting was well at- 
tended, several strangers being present. 

I wrote a letter to Elder Edward M. Webb, of Order- 
ville, from which I make an extract. 

• "It may seem strange, perhaps incredibly, to you, 
when I say that plural marriage and the United Order 
were both painful to me. When I was a child I had seen 
so many of the follies of men, and the breaking up of 
families by the thoughtless acts of unwise persons — all 
of which I attributed to the evils of a principle which is in 
itself, pure — that I became embittered and cherished hat- 
red toward that which I now admire and love. 

"So it was when President Young called upon the 
Saints to organize and work together in the United Order. 
I saw change, waste, and trouble ahead; and I was quite 
willing to see my brethren wrestle with the problem, while 
I stood aloof and looked on. Nor was I wrong in my 
conjectures. It was soon plain that most of us were will- 
ing to receive the blessing, as sectarians want to receive 
salvation ; that is, without labor or sacrifice ; but we were 
not willing to give up our selfishness, that little "jewel," 
dear to us as the apple of the eye. 

"But the hour came when I had to meet the issue; 
when President Young asked me to lead out and set an 
example before the people. That night I never closed an 
eye in sleep. I reflected, I prayed earnestly, and I was 
convinced that the only way to win the victory was to 



166 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

'give the heart to God.' When that was done, all was 
peace." 

Near Taunton I became acquainted with a Mr. Sam- 
uel Knight, a deacon in the church of England. His wife, 
a young-looking, intelligent lady, had led the choir and 
taught the parish school for twenty-seven years, and was 
the mother of ten children. These good people often 
assisted me, for w^hich I was grateful. I wrote them the 
following letter : 

"Dear friends, your kind letter came all right. We 
thank you for the postage stamps — they came very oppor- 
tunely, as we were out. It is interesting to note how the 
way opens before us : the things we need come from 
sources not looked for, and is another evidence that we 
are God's servants. 

*'We have not suffered for anything, and how thank- 
ful I am! Several respectable persons, besides yourselves, 
are inquiring after the truth. We are sorry that you are 
troubled and persecuted by neighbors who should be your 
friends. But to me it is another evidence of the truth of 
this Gospel that we are trying to preach to you. Did not 
a prophet say, 'when the wicked rule, the people mourn?' 
Are not the pillars of your church oppressors ? Your min- 
isters 'preach for hire, and divine for money,' do they not? 

"As for business, what shall I say? The way the 
world does business is a sin. It is a system of oppression. 
One builds himself up by pulling his brother down — the 
big fish eat the little ones. Who does unto others as he 
would have others do unto him ? I know of but one way 
of deliverance from these evils ; that is to repent, and obey 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 167 

the Gospel of Jesus Christ as restored by the Prophet 
Joseph Smith." 

Friday, December 7th, a dark, stormy day, I walked 
to Dunstan Abbott, eight miles in the rain, to visit Jo- 
seph Able and family; returned to Candle Green and 
stayed over night with James Timbrell, a game keeper. 
The family had no children, the house was neat and tidy, 
but cheerless and cold. I wrote : 

./' 

The days are short and the nights are long, 

The houses are cold as a Yankee's barn — 

The smoky chimneys, and open doors 

Are nicely m.atched by damp stone floors. 

Kindle the fire, but it will not blaze 

Unless you open the door a ways. 

Shut the door, and the crack above 

Is broader than a Christian's love; 

Or, if tight above, then the gap below 

Is as wide as the hole where sinners go. 

Turn it over, twist it around, 

It is all the same, whether up or down — 

A rainy, smoky, foggy England. 

Saturday, December 8th, we returned to Chelten- 
ham and remained a week, visiting among the people. I 
wrote : 

"Mrs. M. A. Tippetts, Dear Sister: Your kind let- 
ters and view cards are safe in hand. I thank you for 
them. Yesterday we mailed a 'Voice of Warning' to 
your uncle. It is as you say, a most excellent book for 
circulation, and I hope in this case it will do good. We 



168 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

are much pleased to see the faith you. manifest in your 
works and words. May the Father bless you, and make 
you a savior to your husband and your dear children. 

"The Latter-day Saints — and they alone, as far as 
I have seen — feel today as the people of God in days 
of old felt, when men were blessed with visions and visita- 
tions of angels, and often held communion with God Him- 
self. See the blessing on the head of Rebecca, — Gen. 
24 :60 ; also Rachel's desires as recorded in Gen. 30 ; also 
Hannah's thanksgivings, Samuel 1-2 chapters. These 
are the feelings that inspire the hearts of the Latter-day 
Saints; feelings which give strength to our sisters to 
share with each other the protection and affection of a 
worthy husband; and which inspire our brethren to as- 
sume the responsibilities of providing for large families, 
to the end that virtue may be sustained, and every woman 
enjoy the blessing- of motherhood, without committing 
sin. 

"A person must be a fool who cannot see that it re- 
quires more toil and care to support two families than 
it does to support one. Hence, if the Saints were wicked 
and sensual, as the world say they are, they would seek 
pleasure where it could be purchased most cheaply, as 
men of the world do. But the principles of the Gospel, 
•including celestial marriage, lead to a purity of life, that 
those who know not God are strangers to. 

*'I hope your husband will continue to read my let- 
ters. They are poorly written, which I cannot help; but 
they speak the truth. They are not the emanations of 
a person paid for his labor. I am not working for 'bread 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 169 

and butter.' The little education I have was acquired in 
the midst of severe toil — often accjuired while lying on 
the ground by the camp fire. Those who love the truth, 
however, will pass these imperfections by, and rejoice in 
the testimonies of God's humble servants; and realize 
that their words, like the holy scriptures, bear the impress 
of the spirit of Jehovah upon them." 

On Monday, December 17th, I parted with Presi- 
dent Jacobs, walking to Tewksbury, nine miles. Farm- 
ers were busy plowing and sowing grain; and gardeners 
were transplanting as if it were spring. As I was passing 
through Taunton, Mrs. Evans hailed me, asking if I was 
a Mormon Elder, and invited me to dinner. 

I soon learned the motive — there were five Church 
of England ministers visiting with them. I consequently 
spent the afternoon in a lively discussion. I was sur- 
prised at the wisdom given me, for I had the best of 
the argument, and three of the ministers left, in a rage. 
Mrs. Evans was pleased, and invited me to call again. 

In the evening after the discussion, I walked eight 
miles to Pendock Cross, and stayed all night with Thomas 
.Newman. The family being poor, had but one bed, so 
I sat up all night in a wooden-bottomed chair. Yet I 
slept, and had a dream, in which I saw an old lady, then 
a stranger to me, give me the gold to pay her fare to 
Zion. 

The next day I walked fifteen miles, and found 
Mother Jaynes. She had not seen an elder for nine 
years, and was living on the parish. Yet she gave me 
her passage money ; and when I came home, I brought 

12 



170 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

her with me, thus literally fulfilling the dream. 

On the 18th, I walked twelve miles to John Wad- 
ley's. The roads being very muddy, I sat down to rest 
a few minutes by the roadside. Putting my hand in my 
overcoat pocket to get an apple, I found a pair of knit 
woolen mits. I wrote : 

''Accept my thanks for the cozy cuffs. 

I found them one day, .you see — 
As I was resting, an apple to eat. 

Beneath a roadside tree. 

How nice they are — so soft and warm ! 

So clean, and tidy, and white ; 
Emblem I hope, of the heart that gave. 

And the eyes that sparkle so bright. 

I value a gift from Allie's hand. 
Though a ''mitten" 'tis plain to see. 

I'll keep them, and wear them, but never return 
A "mitten," dear friend, to thee. 



CHAPTER 21. 

A Visit to Wales. — Mrs. Simons' Good Work. — A Tribute to 
Joseph Fielding Smith. — A Letter from My Wife, Albina. 

December 19, 1877. In the evening President 
Jacobs baptized John Waclley. On the 20th we walked 
eight miles to Little Dean. It was warm and muddy. . 
We were kindly received by Sister Burris, who ever has 
a tidy room, and a 'bit of cake' for the Elders. We de- 
cided to visit Wales. 

In response to an invitation from President Joseph 
H. Parry, we took cars to Cardiff and Ponty Pridd, ar- 
riving there at noon, and walked two miles to David R. 
Gill's. In the evening we held cottage meeting at John 
Evans', then slept at Brother Hughes'. 

I enjoyed the evening very much; but I can see 
the meshes of poverty are tightening around the poor, and 
the Saints have to bear a part of the afflictions and 
troubles that are coming upon Babylon. 

On the 22nd, I walked to Mountain Ash, taking- 
dinner with Brother Loveday, who has a large and ex- 
cellent family. We went to Cumbach, held evening meet- 
ing, and stayed over night with Sister Phillips, a blessed, 
good woman. 

On Sunday, December 23rd, before breakfast, I 
walked five miles to Merthyr, and during the day and 



172 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

evening attended three meetings. Many strangers were 
present, the singing was sweet, and the speaking was at- 
tended by the power of God's Holy Spirit. 

On .December 24th, I visited Thomas Jones, and 
Saints at Dyfern. In the evening, while at supper, I heard 
Mrs. Evans, a lady not in the Church, say: "If my 
health were better I would walk to Merthyr and help the 
Saints sing in their concert tonight." I repHed, "If you 
will be baptized, you shall be healed." She said : "I am 
ready." 

It was a dark, foggy night; but the brethren got a 
lantern, and we walked to the river, which we found full 
of floating ice. One of the Elders, lying down on the 
bcink, held my hand while I slid into the water and found 
solid footing; then they lifted Sister Evans down and I 
baptized her. Returning to the house, we confirmed her, 
and she walked two miles to Merthyr, took part in the 
singing, and was healed. This was the only person that 
T baptized while laboring in Wales. 

Christmas dawned, clear and cold, the ground cov- 
ered lightly with snow. As soon as it was light, Elder 
William N. Williams and I walked to Thomas Jones'. 
On the way, we witnessed a foot-race, the runners being 
stripped to the flesh, and running splendidly. A large 
crowd was out to see the performance. 

Returning to Merthyr to attend a conference meet- 
ing, I next walked twelve miles with President Jacobs, 
and a Sister Simons of Bount.^ful, Utah, who, after 
twenty-five years' absence had returned to visit relatives 
and obtain genealogies for temple work. She is doing 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 173 

good missionary work; many, through curiosity, come 
to our meetings to see a Hve woman from Utah. To 
them she bears a faithful testimony of the divinity of 
the Latter-day work. In the evening, the Tredagar 
saints gave a concert, which we attended. The Welsh 
are fond of amusements, especially singing, in which they 
are highly gifted. 

On the 26th, I attended a public meeting. Elders 
Jacobs, Young, Howells, and Williams spoke. After 
meeting, two were baptized. On December 27th, I walk- 
ed twelve miles to Abersychan, attending a meeting at 
which four valle}^ Elders spoke. We had an excellent 
time. On December 28th, Elder Thomas F. Howells and 
I walked six miles, to Pontypool, to visit a few saints 
living at that place. We took dinner with Brother Rich- 
ard Watkins, and he accompanied us to Abergavanny. 
In the evening we held meeting at Brother Bazzants', 
then visited Father Ellis and his grandchild. The next 
day we returned to Abersychan, met Elders Jacobs and 
Williams, and w^ere kindly cared for by a Sister Thomas. 

On Sunday, December 30th, we held two meetings. 
It was a bitter, bad day, with heavy wind and rain; yet 
our meetinghouse was crowded. All the valley Elders 
spoke. I have always found a good spirit among the 
Welsh Saints, and trust that I shall always remember, 
with pleasure, the many good meetings and reunions I 
have had with them. On Monday, December 31st, 1877, 
we parted with Elders William N. Williams, Thomas F. 
Howells, and the local Saints, and returned to Bristol, 
where I found letters from home awaiting me. 

Albina wrote that the weather was very cold and 



174 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

that some of my children were barefoot. This was un- 
pleasant news ; but I was thankful to learn that they were 
in good health, and had homes in the peaceful secluded 
vales of IJtah. "May God bless them," is the comment 
in my journal. "I have labored four months in Wales 
and three months in the Bristol conference. During that 
time I have walked nine hundred seventeen miles, preach- 
ed ninety-eight times, baptized two persons, written one 
hundred fifty-seven letters, and received sixty. Thus 
ends the year 1877." 

On Tuesday, January 1, 1878, I remained all day 
in the office, getting out financial and statistical reports. 
I had bread and herring's for breakfast, dinner, and sup- 
per. The weather is cloudy, but- mild. As yet, there is 
no hard frost. Out-door wall flowers are in bloom, while 
fruit buds are swelling, as if spring were at hand. I re- 
ceived a pleasant call from Brother and Sister Hatt, and 
three of their daughters. On Sunday, January 6th, I 
received the following letter : 

"Elder John R. Young : Dear Brother : I have taken 
the liberty of writing a few lines to you, and hope my 
letter will find you and Elder Jacobs in good health. I 
am happy to say myself and two little girls are well at 
present. I can truly say that from the time you were 
here, a great weight of sorrow has been lifted off my 
heart, for which I feel to thank the living God. And I 
also feel to thank you; that God may bless you, and en- 
able you to fill your mission and return in safety to your 
family in Zion, is the prayer of your sister in the Gospel 
of peace, Jane Roach." 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 175 

It is always a comfort to me to know that I have 
been a comfort to others. To help the poor, the weak, 
the needy, the tempted and tried ; to turn the sinner from 
the evil of his ways — this is ever more than meat and 
drink to me. 

On Monday, January 7, 1878, we left Bristol, pass- 
ing in view of Clifton, and over the suspension bridge, 
which is two hundred forty-five feet high, above high 
water, twenty-five feet wide, and four hundred feet long. 
We also passed a fine park, and saw therein a large herd 
of fallow deer. How beautiful they looked ! 

Walking to Nailsea, ten miles, w^e visited with a 
family not in the Church; then talked till midnight with 
Brother W and Father Miller. The latter is eighty- 
five, yet bright and strong in mind and memory. These 
good people slept by the fire in the big arm chairs while 
President Jacobs and I occupied the poor little bed in the 
garret. 

On the 10th, I left Brother Jacobs, by his request, 
and visited Plymouth. It is a city of beauty, wealtli, 
and sin. The branch here was in a sad condition. I 
lodged with Samuel Norman, who had kept ''bach" dur- 
ing the last fifteen years. He was kind to me, but his 
home was a little garret four stories high. The one little 
window that gave us air overlooked the Plymouth Starch 
\Vorks' back yard, a filthy, stinking hole; and the room 
literally swarmed with rats and mice, of which, like any 
woman, I am in mortal terror. Here I lived two weeks 
on one meal a day, while visiting the Saints as a teacher. 

Having got out hand bills and placarded the city. 



176 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

I had an open-air discussion with the city post-master. 
I also attended a Methodist revival meeting, where a 
minister invited me to pray. Among other things, I 
thanked the Lord for having raised up the Prophet Jo- 
seph Smith. This advertised my coming meeting better 
than my hand bills had done. Accordingly, on Sunday, 
January 13th, I preached to a large and attentive congre- 
gation, mostly strangers. 

After meeting I wrote ''Early Recollections of Apos- 
tle Joseph F. Smith," who is now presiding over the 
British Mission. 

I knew Joseph F. Smith, in life's rosy morn. 

When herding cows, and plowing corn; 

And though he worked early and late, 

He never murmured at his fate; 

But smiled to think that his strong arm 

Brought wheat and corn to his mothers' barn. 

His first mark made^ I remember well, 

'Twas when he flogged Philander Bell ; 

A champion then for innocence and youth. 

As he is now for "liberty and truth." 

If plain his speech, and strong in boyish strife, 

I doubt if he could mend the history of his life! 

The years of trial on Hawaii's land 

Were more than wiser heads would stand, 

Poi, paakai, poverty and shame, 

M^ere all endured, for the blessed Savior's name. 

The crime, and filth, and ulcerated sores 

Opened to view, bleeding at every pore; 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 177 

Tried the metal, proved one's pride, 

Then was the day of choosing sides; 

Then was the hour to begin, and he 

Pulled off his coat, and waded in. 

\Ye need not urge him to improve, 

He seeks, as Joseph did, light from above ; 

And God has given strength to Hyrum's son, 

Speeding him, on the race so well begun. 

For unto him a charge is truly given. 

To lead erring men from sin to heaven. 

To realms of glory, where truth divine. 

Enlightens life, with joy sublime ; 

But I leave to pens abler than mine 

To paint the beauties of that heavenly clime. 

I choose to feast on more substantial food; 
One to be great, must first be truly good. 
The precious clouds that bless our vales with rain. 
Descend from lofty peaks, and kiss the plain. 
So God, Himself, in plainness said to man — 
^'Blessed are the meek," "I am the Great I am," 
And while His voice echoed from Sinai's peak, 
He talked with Moses "the meekest of the meek;" 
Then look to Christ, and note the key-words given 
To lead men back to God — and heaven. 

Brother, nobly and well thou hast begun — 
Now "Hold the Fort," "until the victory's won ;" 
And when the smoke and din of war is past. 
Your works, and name, on history's page w^ill last. 

On Wednesday, January 16, 1878, I baptized Miss 
Elizabeth Short, and told her I hoped her journey with 
the Saints would not be like her name ; but rather, would 



178 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

be long and pleasant. On Friday following, I visited 
the Plymouth and Davenport cemetery. It is the larg- 
est burying place that I had ever seen. It is laid off in 
good order, and ornamented with trees, shrubs, and 
flowers— a lovely place in which to rest. That day I 
wrote to President John Taylor : 

''Dear Brother, I take the liberty of writing a few 
lines to you, and of sending my letter by the hand of my 
father. I do not think you will remember me, although 
I was born and brought up with the Saints, and have 
known you since 1844. 

'Tn 1854, I went on a mission to the Sandwich 
Islands, you having set me apart for the mission. Soon 
after returning, I married and moved to southern Utah 
(Dixie), where my family still resides. In my heart I 
have desired to build up Zion, and to that end I have la- 
bored for the kingdom of God, and the gathering of Is- 
rael. 

"The object of writing is not, however, to re- 
late what I have done, but to ask a favor in behalf of 
some of my brethren. My labors since last June have 
given me a good opportunity of becoming acquainted with 
the Saints of the Welsh and Bristol conferences ; and I 
wish to present to you a few names of Saints whom I feel 
to recommend as being worthy of assistance in emigra- 
ting. 

"I will here say that personally I expect no benefit 
in the gathering of these people; but I believe them 
worthy of a blessing-, and I ask as a favor that their names 
be held in remembrance; and that when it is right and 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 179 

reasonable, that they be granted deliverance from this land 
of poverty. 

''Humbly asking God, our Father, to bless you and 
your counsel, and make you mighty in the truth, that 
you may have power to lead Israel in righteousness, I re- 
main, your brother in the Gospel of peace." 

On Sunday, January 20th, I preached in the Daven- 
port hall, to a congregation of strangers. I felt satis- 
fied with my labors here. I came fasting and praying, 
without purse or scrip — and the Lord comforted me. 

The next day I met President Jacobs at Taunton; 
also I received the following letter from a Sister Spickett : 

"Elder John R. Young, Dear Brother : Since I re- 
ceived your last letter, I have been called upon to part 
with m}^ dear father. He calmly passed away last Sat- 
urday night, January 5th. It was a great trial ; but the 
Lord has taken him .for a wnse purpose. I loved him 
dearly — such a good man — a kind husband and loving 
father. It was a severe trial to lose dear mother ; but now 
all seems to be gone. 

'T trust this may find yourself and President Jacobs 
in good health and spirits. Hoping to hear from you 
soon, and praying God to bless you, I am, respectfully, 
your sister in the Gospel of peace. Grace E. Spickett." 

On January 24, 1878, I replied as follows : 

"Dear Sister, I did not receive yours of the 16th un- 
til last evening. I feel truly to sympathize with you in 
the loss of your dear father. I should be much pleased 
if I had the power to write so as to comfort you. 

"It appears from the records that your father has 



180 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

been a member of the Church for thirty-four years ; hence 
I am led to suppose that you were born in the Church, 
and nurtured under the influence of the Spirit of the Gos- 
pel. If so, you will readily comprehend that the present 
painful separation is of short duration. 

"I have often reflectei upon the last trial and suf- 
fering of our beloved Savior; what must have been the 
anguish of the few loving, trusting, weeping disciples 
who followed him to the closing scene on Calvary ! What 
overpowering grief must have settled upon them! How 
the heart must have throbbed, when they looked back 
upon the past, and the mobbings and persecutions which 
they suffered, in many instances forsaking all things 
for the Gospel's sake. 

''True, while he was with' them, in freedom, the 
precious words of life that fell from his lips repaid them 
for every loss. But to see Him whom they had loved 
more than they did their own lives, taken by cruel hands, 
scourged, and beaten, and nailed upon the cross ; and when 
parched with fever, and asking for drink, to see his mur- 
derers offer him vinegar and gall, and finally, on seeing 
his mangled body laid in the tomb, to feel the last hope 
of their hearts buried with Him in death! 

"How comforting it is to know that sacrifice ever 
brings forth the blessings of heaven! The death of 
Christ filled the hearts of His disciples with the deep- 
est of sorrow. But the showing forth of the power of 
God in the resurrection banished every sorrow, dried the 
tear in every eye, and filled every believing heart with 
joy unspeakable! 

"O, the beauty and glory of a literal resurrection! 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 181 

And this is the faith and hope of the Latter-day Saints! 
We know in whom we trust, and we know if we are faith- 
ful that we shall meet our parents again; and when we 
meet them we shall know them as readily as the Saints 
knew the crucified and risen Redeemer. 

''So you must not feel, dear sister, that you are left 
alone. Loved ones may be near us, and we not able, in 
our present condition, to see them. If you will seek to 
do the will of God, the spirit of your father will visit you, 
and you will be comforted by dreams and the soft whis- 
perings of the Holy Spirit. 

"It seems to me that the work of establishing your 
"father's house now rests upon you. Let nothing turn 
you from the truth ; but seek diligently to gather with the 
Saints ; and let your life be pure, that you may enter into 
a holy temple, and see that your father's work is carried 
on. 

"Praying God to bless you, and to lead you in paths 
of virtue and righteousness, I am your brother in the 
Gospel of peace." 

On Thursday, February 14th, ten months ago today 
since I left home in a snow storm, I wrote the following 
verses : 

"Gathering flowers from an English hedge, 

At the close of day on Charlcutt Hill, 
While thoughts fly fast o'er sea and ledge 
To my pleasant home in Orderville. 
Ten months ago the snow fell fast, 
And the northern winds blew loud and shrill, 
As I urged my steed against the blast 
That whirled in gusts, by Glendale's mill. 



182 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

"I had pressed my lips to a wife's pale brow — 

Had blessed a new-born child; 

Then turned to face the falling snow, 

And the gale that blew so wild. 

I wended my way through the mountain pass 

Where forest pines grew high, 

Till the storm was hushed, and a calm at last 

Spread over land and sky. 

''And the sun's bright gleam in rays of gold, 

Danced over the hills and plain — 

And the cheered heart cried in accents bold : 

"Thus may it be when I come again !" 

O, vision sweet ! Let it bide in my heart, 

With the image of loved ones dear ; 

Like an angel of peace, may it never depart — 

But tarry, to comfort and cheer!" 

I have always felt that God blessed me with a good 
family. Here is a letter from my wife Albina: ''Dear 
Husband: At five o'clock this morning, Brother Jehiel 
McConnell died. He has not rusted out; but was true 
and faithful to the end. He often said in meetings since 
coming here, that he had never enjoyed himself so well 
before. 

"A great many reflections have passed through my 
mind today. I think it would do me good to see you, 
and hear you talk. I received your w^elcome letter the 
day after New Years — I am always glad to hear from 
you; but I felt a little disappointed not to get your like- 
ness as a New Year's present. True I have one, but I 
should have been glad of another. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 183 

''1 have been to Brother McConneU's funeral. Brother 
Thomas Robertson preached a splendid sermon — not to 
the dead, but to the living. I think some of his dis- 
courses ought to be recorded. 

''This evening' the home missionaries were here. 
John Carpenter preached, and did splendid for a new 
beginner. Brother Samuel Mulliner followed with an 
Order sermon. He is an Order man in word and deed, 
and enjoys the Spirit of God. It does me good to hear 
him talk, and I feel thankful to live where we have good 
meetings. It keeps me alive. 

'T am looking forward with joy, to the day when 
you can return to family and friends. Sister Piersen 
sends her love to you. She is weaving away as faithful 
as ever. Sister Claridge has gone north to her daughter's. 
There are but few that I choose in this world for com- 
panions. There is a Sister Porter, a widow who came 
from the north, that I think much of. She is the mother 
of the young man who was accidentally killed up in the 
canyon above our saw mill. She has suffered much. I 
think she is a noble woman. 

"I am well pleased with your Christmas gift. I 
should like to live on that beautiful island with our fam- 
ily Ferra was well pleased with the verses about the 
White Horse, and sends his love to you. Roy says 'Tell 
father I have a pair of new shoes, and a kiss for him.' 
Joseph is well. He is a fine boy. I am getting old ; but 
my heart is as young as ever. From your affectionate 
wife, Albina." 



CHAPTER 22. 



Death of Jehiel McConnell. — A Letter to My Daughter. — Five 
Thousand Dollars Reward. — A Letter from Apostle Joseph 
F. Smith. 



Brother Jehiel McConnell was one of the party who 
were with Elder George A. Smith, Jr. when he was killed 
by the Navajo Indians. When George A. was wounded 
and the party had to retreat, Brother McConnell got onto 
his big mule behind the saddle, took George A. in his 
arms in front of him, and carried him until he died; thus 
manifesting a love and loyalty to his wounded brother that 
always endeared the man to the people of Orderville. 

On Wednesday, March 6th, I wrote the following 
letter to my dear daughter, Lydia. 

''Your kind letter came with Aunt Albina's. I am 
glad to have you write to me, and pleased that you are 
going to school. I want you to take all the pains you can 
in writing and arithmetic. They are the foundation stones 
of usefulness. And I desire also that you become a lady ; 
and no one can be a lady who is not pure in body, and 
cultivated in mind. 

"As for 'old shoes,' you can shed them off any time, 
and put on a new and better pair — when the better day 
comes, and that day will come, if you observe the princi- 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 185 

pies of the Gospel ; but ignorance cannot be put off, like an 
old garment. The young ivy vine, when it begins to 
spread its delicate fibers around the mighty oak, can 
easily be stripped off; but left alone until matured by age, 
and you will find them so embedded in the wood of the 
tree that you must take the ax and chop the vine in pieces, 
and cannot separate them without doing harm to the body 
of the tree. So it is with ignorance. If we are studious 
in youth, and think of, and reflect often upon pure things, 
we shall grow in intellig'ence and purity. 

'In my heart I feel to draw my children to me ; and 
notwithstanding that I have been much from home, on 
missions; and that when at home, I am the husband of 
three wives, still my love for home and family is strong, 
and the ties of affection burn as deeply and sacredly in my 
bosom as those holy passions do in other men's breasts. 

''Sin and vice will diminish and extinguish from 
the heart the attribute of love, while a pure, clean lift 
will increase it. It is not every little girl that I should 
write to, as I do to you. ,Nor would I write with the 
same freedom to some women. But I know your heart, 
that you can be trusted ; and I want you to preserve your- 
self, and marry a good honorable man, that I may always 
have joy in associating with my daughter. 

"I am so pleased that your Httle brother (Newell) 
is growing so finely. What a comfort he must be to 
your mother ! And how precious are the blessings given 
us by the Gospel ! I am so proud of my family ; and yet, 
had it not been for the principle of plural marriage, as 

13 



186 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

taught by the Prophet Joseph Smith, this blessing- never 
would have been mine." 

In the evening we held meeting.. Elder William N. 
Williams gave an interesting talk, and I followed, speak- 
ing on the first principles of the Gospel. The next day 
Elder Williams, who has been my companion for the 
last two weeks, returned to Wales. He was a good man, 
and I ever pray God to bless him in his labors of love — 
that he might win souls to righteousness. 

March 10, 1878, I held two meetings in Father 
Lerwell's big kitchen, which were well attended by 
strangers. Near the close of the day I walked to the top 
of East Down Hill, and kneeling down, gave myself up 
in prayer. It was so calm and peaceful that I fain would 
remain. I am such a lover of nature and of solitude that 
I could not help writing : 

On the brow of this beautiful hill, 

Its fields now clothed in green, and blossoms white, 

Surpassing the loveliness of artist's skill, 

With dew drops sparkling in the sun's pure light; 

And sweet to me is the sunshine bright. 

For clouds of mist oft hover o'er 

The land of Britain, and spread from shore to shore 

A veil of dampness, that begetteth blight. 

Hence, welcome the sunshine of the present day — 
And here, in nature's temple, I humbly pray. 
I kneel, and plead for wives and children dear. 
Yea, all the loved ones my heart holds near. , 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 187 

Albina, with counsel, calm and wise, 

Lydia, more like April's changing skies ; 

Tamar, whose voice is like dew from above. 

Blessed trinity, whose words of love 

Are thrilling in my breast. 

Father, wilt thou give rest 

And peace to each of them ; 

And to Thy Saints, the wide world round. 

Where e'er the Gospel's glorious sound 

Hath found a friend. 

On Wednesday, March 13, 1878, I received a letter, 
in which it was stated that the ''Liberals" of Salt Lake 
City had offered a reward of five thousand dollars for 
the arrest, "dead or alive," of Howard O. Spencer, wanted 
in a prosecution for killing Sergt. Pike. I wrote: 

Five thousands dollars ! The sum is too small. 

Bid up. Uncle Sam, or don't bid at all; 

For men with royal blood in their veins 

Are not secured without greater pains! 

''Dead or alive" has a martial ring, 

It smacks of the power of despotic kings. 

It speaks of a power now dying out — 

A power that is cursed with palsy and gout ; 

A power that came from the witch fires of Spain, 

That crushes religious freedom wherever it reigns! 

'Tis a wholesome sign, to see a man of God 
Defying the power of the tyrant's rod ; 
Walking erect, with a stately tread — 
When Gesler cries out "Bow down thy head." 
What though he fly to the mountain tower 



188 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

To escape the venge of the tyrant's power. 
Let him bide his time, it will come ere long : 
Victory is not to the proud and strong, 
For "truth is mighty, and will prevail" — 
'Twill sweep from Utah, with fire and hail, 
The ''Liberal" lies ; and this gouty wail, 
Borne on the wind o'er sea and land. 
Is the dying groan of the ''Liberal clan." 

Be thou firm and true, as the tone of thy prayer. 

And God will be with thee everywhere. 

And I — oh, how I long to sing 

The funeral dirge of the "Liberal ring." 

Howard O. Spencer was a -playmate of mine, and 
while I was not with him at the time Sergeant Pike made 
his brutal assault, here is what Howard told me about it : 
"Army officers had demanded of Uncle Daniel Spencer 
that his stock should be moved from the vicinity of his 
corrals. Uncle sent Al Clift and me to move them; we 
reached the ranch just as the sun was setting. I was at 
the stack yard, with pitchfork in my hand, in the act of 
putting hay in the mangers for our horses, when Pike with 
several soldiers rode up, he dismounted, and coming to 
me, with gun in his hand, ordered me 'to get out and 
move the stock.' I faced him squarely, and told him there 
would be no cattle moved that night; with an oath he 
struck me with his gun. I held up the pitchfork to ward 
off the blow, the fork handle was of pine home-made, the 
blow broke it in three pieces, and came with such force, 
that I was felled to the ground with a crushed skull. Pike 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 189 

turned to mount his horse, when a soldier said, '-put his 
head down hill, so he can bleed free." He caught me by the 
hair, and pulled me around, then they rode off laughing. 
A little ranch boy was with me; he ran and told Luke 
Johnson who came and took charge of me. When Presi- 
dent Young learned of it, he sent Allen Hilton and Dr. 
Sprague, Avith a carriage for me. I was taken to Salt Lake 
City and placed in the care of Dr. France and Ander- 
son. With their intelligent treatment, and careful 
nursing, my life was saved. 

As soon as Howard's wounds were healed, so he 
could sit a horse, he came to my home, at Draper, and got 
a team to help the Spencer family, with their summer's 
work. At that period there were no houses, on the road 
from the Cottonwood to Draper, on the dry creek bench, 
Howard met General Lyon with a company of U. S. 
Dragoons. They were enroute to Bear River, with the an- 
nounced purpose of protecting the Morrisites in their an- 
ticipated move to CaHfornia. When he met the troop he 
stopped them, and asked if Sergeant Pike was with them. 
They answered, ",No, but what do you want?" The reply 
was, ''I am owing him a little, and I thought if he were 
here, I would pay the debt." W^hat a blessing that Pike 
was not there! Had he been, Spencer would have killed 
him, without any thought for his own safety. As a man 
he was the soul of honor, kind and gentle, and slow to 
anger, but when aroused, he was fearless as a lion. His 
friends affirm that after the assault at Rush Valley, his 
mind was unbalanced. I have no comment to offer on that. 
I do know, however, he was void of the sense of fear, 



190 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

and that he felt, in the Pike difficulty, that he was as- 
saulted because he was a Mormon, and his love for 
and loyalty to the Mormon people stamped in his heart 
a determination to pay the debt in kind, let the conse- 
quences ^to himself be what they would. His love for law 
and order, held him in check, until \\t saw the farce 
played, when Pike was brought into the Provost court, 
with his gun buckled on his side, escorted by his armed 
comrades, heard the colored pleadings of Pikes counsel, 
and the prompt decision of the judge, evidencing to un- 
biased men, that in that court, there was no justice for 
a Mormon. With that feeling uppermost in his mind, 
he walked quietly out of the court room, and when Pike 
came out, he paid the debt, by shooting him. In the con- 
fusion that followed Spencer escaped. Years after, I 
met him on the Sevier, traveling alone, unarmed, and un- 
guarded, going to Salt Lake City, to stand his trial, and 
T believe the jury's verdict, that acquitted him, met the 
approval of just men and angels. 

The following letter shows the spirit and methods 
used by the Mormon missionaries to help the poor to 
emigrate : 

"Elder John R. Young. My dear brother: I need 
scarcely say I was pleased to hear from you. Can old 
acquaintance be forgot? Your experience in the British 
mission is that of scores of Elders who have labored there 
of late years. 

"You no doubt say truly that in some respects the 
Bristol conference is the Molokai of the British mission; 
but it is not the only one. Our experience of today there. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 191 

is not what it might have been twenty years ago. We 
are now gleaning the field after the harvest is gathered. 

''I think it is right for the Elders to change about 
somewhat, as circumstances may seem to require or war- 
rant, so as to equalize the toil, hardships, and enjoyments 
among all. I have suggested to Brother Naisbitt to make 
such changes this spring as may be deemed right and 
necessary for the well-being and prosperity, both of the 
Elders and the mission. Among others, I have not for- 
gotten to mention you. 

^'I do not know yet whether it will be myself or some 
other person who will be sent to preside over the mission. 
I am of the opinion that I have almost served my appren- 
ticeship there, and that I will be relieved, at least for the 
present. If you know me, and I think you do, you know 
that my sentiments are in favor of fair dealing and jus- 
tice, as well as mercy; and I want no favor-kissing in 
mine. I have learned, too, that we cannot always judge, 
from a short acquaintance, of the real merits of men. 

"One thing we should do : that is, encourage the 
Saints, as much as possible, to help themselves. If many 
of them would smoke less tobacco, drink less beer, visit 
fewer shows, buy fewer household toys and ornaments, 
and get along more economically, with a view of saving 
up their pennies until they multiply to pounds, they could, 
in a short time, emigrate themselves. We need to be 
wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 

''God bless you. Love to Brother Jacobs. All well 
here. Your brother in the Gospel, Joseph F. Smith." 



CHAPTER 23. 

A Letter to 1113^ Son. — An Enquirer Answered. — The Sinking of 
the Euridice. — Four Hundred Mten Perish. — Letters from 
Home. — Two Splendid Dreams. 

"Silas S. Young : My dear son : Your very neat let- 
ter of February 2nd came safely to hand, and I was 
pleased to have you write to me. 

"I have recently been to Crew Kerne, a noted pleas- 
ure resort and while there, witnessed the Somerset steeple- 
chase races. I will try to tell you something about them. 
To begin with, I must tell you that England, and Wales, 
so far as I have seen, are hilly, countries; the hollows 
abounding in creeks, and springs — and such beautiful 
clear, soft water; while the ridges and table lands are 
covered with forests of pine, oak, beach, and other va- 
rieties of timber. The tillable lands are generally drained ; 
and the steep hills are cultivated, as well as the level 
plains. 

''But fanns in England are mostly cut up into small 
fields. The fences, which are mainly ditches and hedges, 
are crooked and irregular ; often leaving the plow lands u* 
a triangle, or flatiron shape. With this explanation, I 
will now come to the race course. 

"The grandstand, a glass-roofed shed with raised 
seats capable of seating a thousand persons', was situated 
on the east side of a glade, one-half mile wide, and com- 
manding a good view of the same. A circular track, eight 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 193 

rods wide, and bounded on each side with red flags, was 
marked off a mile and a half long. This track crossed 
eight hedges, one deep creek and hedge combined, the 
object evidently being to select as difficult and dangerous 
a track as possible. 

"The points to be tested were strength, speed, and 
activity in the horses ; and nerve, skill, and horsemanship 
in -the riders. They were required to run twice around 
the track; making a three mile run. The most difficult 
leap was a hedge six feet high, four feet wide on top, . 
with a deep three-foot ditch on the opposite side. This 
leap had to be taken on an up-hill run, which made it 
hard work. 

''But the part of the race that attracted the most at- 
tention was leaping the creek. This was ten feet wide 
and eight feet deep ; but the water was partially dammed, 
causing an overflow of four feet on the farther side. The 
hedge on the approaching side was five feet wide and 
four feet high ; making in all, twenty feet to be leaped. 

'Tn the race, twelve horses started. A mare fell at 
the up-hill hedge, and broke her leg ; the rider was thrown 
and so badly hurt, that he had to be taken away in the 
hospital cab. A horse fell in the creek, and the rider 
was nearly drowned. Two bay mares, the winners, and 
such beauties, went twice around the track, leaping the 
creek, twenty-two feet, neck and neck. It was the prettiest 
running that I have ever seen. 

"Be a good boy, and write again." 

Friday, March 22nd, I spent the day posting the 
conference books. The next day President Jacobs came 



194 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

from Trowbridge. He is in good health and spirits, and 
working hard. I also received the following letter from 
my father, dated Salt Lake City, February 17, 1878: 

''My dear son, I should be glad if I were in a con- 
dition to send for the Saints you so much desire to emi- 
grate; but it is not in my power. Yesterday I went to 
see your Uncle Phineas. It was his seventy-ninth birth- 
day, Feb. 16, 1878. He is quite smart; gets up early 
mornings, does his own chores, and often walks up into 
town, two and one-half miles. Uncle Joseph is also well, 
and full of faith. He is eighty-one years old. 

''Well, Johnny, hold on, and never give up until the 
battle is won. We shall all be glad to meet you when 
you come home. The family all join me in love. May 
God bless you, is the praver of your father, Lorenzo D. 
Young.'* 

Monday, March 25, 1878. As several of the AVelsh 
Saints had written asking me to spend a Sabbath with 
them, I got leave of a week's absence from President 
Jacobs and crossed the Bristol channel on the steamer 
Wye. I visited Brother Harris at Cardiff, and held meet- 
ing. Wednesday, the 27th, I also visited D. R. Gill. That 
day a collier was killed by the falling of a stone in a mine 
where several of the Saints are working. Poor fellows, 
spending their lives toiling down in the dark, foul pits, 
with blocks of death hanging over their heads! Hun- 
dreds die yearly, as this man died. 

In the morning the goodby is cheerfully spoken, for 
no shadow of death looms forward as a warning; at 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 195 

sunset the block has fallen, and the dying man is borne 
by his comrades to the heart-broken wife. The next day 
he is buried, and soon forgotten by all save those to whom 
his strong arm brought daily bread. 

On the 28th I visited Brother Jenkin Thomas, A. 
J. Jones, and Brother Edwin Street. The latter is still 
confined to his bed, suffering from the effects of the ter- 
rible bruises he received in a coal pit two years ago ; but 
he keeps in good spirits and is firm in the faith. I held 
meeting in his house, that he might hear the service. The 
room was crowded, many strangers being present. 

On Monday, the 30th, I visited Richard Wadley, 
gentleman, on his farm twelve miles from Cardiff, to help 
him in his work. I plowed while he sowed grain. This 
pleased him so much that he hitched his "cob" into the 
cart and drove me to his home in Cardiff. I spent the even- 
ing with the family, preaching the Gospel to them. Under 
this date, I wrote to an enquirer, not in the Church : 

"1 know the idea generally prevails, that a man can 
love but one wife at a time; but a careful reading of the 
word of God forces the conviction that the idea is wrong ; 
and my own experience confirms this view. I find in the 
scriptures of divine truth, that we are commanded to love 
the Lord with all our heart, and to love our neighbor as 
ourselves; what a terrible tax to place upon a man who 
can only love one wife! I am thankful to say that I have 
learned to govern love by principle ; and I can truly say, 
that the bright and intelligent sons and daughters born 
to me by different wives, are alike beloved, and dear to 



196 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

On Wednesday, April 3, 1878, I returned to Bristol, 
and received the following letter from my wife Lydia : 

''Dear Husband : The day's work is done, the chil- 
dren are sweetly sleeping, and the nine o'clock bugle 
(curfew) is sounding, 'Hard times, come again no more!' 

'Tf I knew hard times would come no more to you, 
while you are in that land of poverty and wretchedness, 
I should be very thankful. I have been treated with 
much kindness by the brethren and sisters here in Order- 
ville. Neither I, nor mine, have suffered for food or 
clothing. 

'T am striving diligently to overcome selfishness, 
and I am gaining ground a little. I feel that if there 
are any more needy than I am, who are laboring faith- 
fully in the order, let them be s-erved first. 

'T cannot accomplish as much work as I should 
like to, but I do all that I can. I am making hats, and 
have charge of the hat department. My babe is as nice 
a boy as anybody ever had ; and the Lord knows it is my 
desire to bring him up in such a way that he will be an 
honor to his parents. Vilate is very delicate; I do not 
feel at all easy about her, but I do hope and pray that she 
will be spared to us. 

"May the blessings of the Lord be with you, is the 
prayer of your affectionate wife, Lydia' K. Young." 

April 5th was a cold, windy day. I went to Sister 
Burris's, Little Dean Hill, forty miles, and found the 
family well. I wrote Elder Samuel Leigh, of Cedar City, 
as follows: 

"Dear friend, I have just returned from a short visit 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 197 

to Wales, our old field of labor, and feel to write a few 
lines to you. 

''I thought that England would go to war with Russia 
but as yet the Lion and the Bear are content to watch the 
bone, and snarl and growl at each other. However, the 
war feeling is becoming more intense and bitter, and it 
is hard to say what a day may bring forth. 

"In Wales, there is still much suffering — worse a 
great deal than when you were here. You will doubt- 
less remember Brother Street of Treorky, who was so 
badly crushed in the coal pit. He is still suffering, yet 
clinging to Hfe and full of faith, else he would have been 
dead long ago. At one time, his wounds had nearly 
closed; but they opened again, and several pieces of the 
backbone came out. The doctors can do nothing for him ; 
and our Christian friends call long and loud for a miracle, 
and because he is not healed, they harden their hearts and 
persecute the Saints ; forgetting that John did no miracles, 
yet a greater prophet never lived." 

One of the most melancholy events of the season 
was the sinking of Her Majesty's war training-ship, 
Euridice. She was returning from a six months' train- 
ing trip, having on board four hundred picked young- 
officers and men. In forty minutes more she would have 
been at anchor in Portsmouth. Thousands of friends 
had assembled on the pier to give them welcome; when 
a sudden squall, accompanied with snow, swept from the 
headlands across the bay, striking the ship. In a few 
minutes the storm was past ; but the. ship was nowhere to 
be seen. The hand of death, as it were, had smitten her ; 



198 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

and of the four hundred souls on board, all perished but 
two. 

On Sunday, April 7, 1878, I attended a baptist meet- 
ing in the baptist chapel, the Rev. Mr. Griffiths preach- 
ing an able discourse on baptism by immersion. After 
the services he put on a rubber water-proof suit, and 
stepping into a font filled with warm water, baptized eight 
persons ; using these words : "Upon your profession of 
faith in Christ Jesus, I baptize you in the name of the 
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen." 

At the close of the service, I went to the pulpit and 
introduced myself, and asked the privilege of preaching 
in the chapel. The ministers refused. I then told the 
people I was an Elder from Utah, and that I would 
preach that afternoon at Mr. Burris's, and my meeting 
was well attended by Saints and strangers. 

On Monday, April 8, 1878, I walked to Clifford 
Mesne, twelve miles, and found Brother Wadley and 
family well. My wife wrote : 

"Orderville, February 20, 1878. Dear Husband: 
Your favor of January 18th came today. I can truly 
say it is a kind and good letter. It gives me new cour- 
age, and I feel more determined to press on, in the straight 
and narrow path. 

"Several things have happened today, causing me to 
feel well: your letter and a good one from father, and 
Hattie's new dress. She is much pleased; but poor little 
Mary — her lips are put up, and tears are in her eyes. I 
tell her it will be her turn next. 

"Frank's cough is still very bad. Last week we re- 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 199 

ceived the parcel you sent by Brother Leigh. William is 
so pleased with his knife. He carries it in his pocket 
in the day time, and sleeps with it in his hand at night. 

''The children are having a dance tonight. Roy and 
Hattie have gone. They took hold of hands, and walked 
off together so kindly. They seem to think a great deal 
of each other, and I am proud to see them. 

''You have been gone ten months, and my babe is 
walking around, by holding on to the chairs. He is so 
intelligent, and has such bright blue eyes. As for teach- 
ing my children to pray, I have always done so, since they 
were old enough to talk, and I generally pray with them 
night and morning. 

"I am trying to do right, and I intend to improve as 
fast as I can in all good things. I am thankful that I 
am here in Orderville. I have never felt discouraged. 
Last night I dreamed that you and father both came home. 
I thought you had been gone just eleven months. As 
ever, your wife, Tamar B. Young." 

April 11, 1878, from my journal : Last night I stayed 
with Brother and Sister Thomas .Newman. As they had 
but one bed, I sat up all night in a wooden-bottomed 
chair; but I got some sleep, and dreamed that I saw an 
elderly woman apparently lost in the woods — and a person 
told me to go and get her, for she was ready to go to 
Zion, 

In the morning I asked Sister Alice Newman if there 
was an aged sister in the Church living in the branch that 
I had not seen. She said, "Mother Jaynes lives about 
six miles from here, in an out-of-the-way place that no 



200 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

Elder has visited for the past four years." "Well," said 
I, "I want you to tell me the way, as I must see her and 
get her emigration money." 

This amused Sister Newman; for Sister Jaynes had 
been living on the parish for over twenty years. It was 
a dark, rainy day; but Sister Newman put on her cloak 
and walked across the fields with me. We found the old 
lady gathering bits of sticks from the hedge. I asked her 
to go to the house, make a good fire, and give us some re- 
freshments. When we had warmed and rested, I told 
her I had come to get her emigration money. 

She said, "The Lord has sent you, for no mortal 
knows that I have any money." She went into a back 
room, and soon returned with 'her apron full of gold, 
emptied it on to the table, and told me to do as I pleased 
with it. I counted out her emigration money, and sent 
it to the Liverpool office; and when I came home, I 
brought her with me^ — to Echo on the Weber, where her 
friends were waiting for her. 

Having returned with Sister Alice, I then walked 
two miles to the top of Malvern Hill, knelt down and 
gave thanks to the Lord for the revelations of His Spirit 
to me; a Spirit that guides me so often into unknown 
paths. 



CHAPTER 24. 

Death of a Lady Apostle Woodruff Baptized in 1840, at Mid- 
night. — Baptize an Aged Backslider. — A Letter from Apos- 
tle Wilford Wodruff. — Transferred to the London Con- 
ference. 

On April 12, 1878, I walked seventeen miles to Chel- 
tenham, and received the following letter : 

"Beloved Brother Young: I received your kind and 
welcome letter yesterday, and was very glad to hear from 
you. I read your letter with pleasure. I also read and 
read over again, your letter to Brother Leigh, and I feel 
to say, amen, to it. I am willing with all my heart, and 
am seeking earnestly for the privilege of gathering with 
God's people. 

"I am not afraid of hard work, and I am used to 
hard times. There is one lesson in the Gospel that I 
love very much, and I have learned it pretty well; that 
is humility. I love to read of the union and love that pre- 
vails among the Saints; and I read the home letters that 
you sent, with much pleasure. To see the good spirit 
and humility manifested by your wife — oh, that all the 
wives of the Saints were so humble, and would so sus- 
tain their husbands ! It would make a heaven of our 
homes, and the blessings of the Lord would be with us, 
always. 

"We have secured a very nice meeting room, near 
Brother Daniels. We opened it the Sunday before last, 

14 



202 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

three strangers present. Last Sunday there were twenty- 
three strangers with us. Next Sunday, if all is well, and 
the weather permits, we are going out in the open air to 
preach. From your brother in the Gospel, D. R. Gill." 

Sunday, April 14th, in the morning, with Miss Alice 
Bishop, I visited the Cheltenham cemetery. Trees, flowers, 
green sward, and monuments erected to the mem- 
ory of loved ones, all make it a pleasant place. We held 
meetings and administered the sacrament. This week I 
visited the Malvern hills, and preached in places, where 
thirty-seven years ago. President Brigham Young, and 
Wilford Woodruff bore their testimonies and reaped a 
rich harvest of souls as recompense for their faithful, 
loving labors. 

A lady of wealth, baptized by Elder Woodruff in 
1840, died recently in this place. On her death-bed, she 
sent a message to me, requesting to be sealed to Brother 
Woodruff. 

It is strange how principles of truth spread. A 
daughter of that woman is now seeking information in 
regard to the Gospel, the effect of her mother's dying 
words. The daughter's husband is a wealthy, worldly 
man, and will not let his wife attend our meetings. I 
earnestly seek for wisdom to guide me in all my move- 
ments ; for while I sympathize with the oppressed, or 
those barred of Gospel privileges, yet I have no desire 
to give the wicked an occasion or opportunity to destroy 
my life and usefulness. 

The farmers are beginning to weed and hoe the fields. 
Many women engage in this labor; and yesterday I 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 203 

stopped to witness the working of a threshing machine. 
It was driven by steam. The foreman, feeder, and two 
other hands were men; the pitching, band-cutting, and 
sacking were done by women. It was a sight that I had 
never seen in Utah; yet, out in the w^orld I hear much 
about the slavery of Mormon women. 

Tuesday, April 16th, at midnight, I baptized an old 
man by the name of Waradell. He was among the first 
to embrace the gospel on these islands. He went to 
Nauvoo, w^orked as a carpenter on the temple, crossed the 
Mississippi river to go west with the Saints in 1846, with 
Charles Shumway. At Sugar Creek his heart failed. He 
apostatized, and returned to England, and now, old and 
penniless, he comes back into the Church to die. 

During the day I baptized three of Brother Bishop's 
children. I am proud of this; to me they are a lovable 
family. 

"Oft have I wandered, weary and alone, 
To gather flowers, by mortal hand unsown, 
In shady nook or dell ; and sometimes find. 
Hidden from view, blossoms of rarest kind. 
And thus in life, the good, and pure, and true 
Are often hid, by circumstance, from view^ 
Happy the man who brings the treasures forth. 
And gains, for recompense, a gem of priceless worth." 

April 18th, I walked twelve miles in rain and mud, 
and stayed over night with Heber White, at Ryeford. I 
suffered all day with sick headache. The next day, though 
still feeling poorly, I started to walk to Nailsworth. The 



204 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

weather was damp, and the roads bad. After going about 
three miles, I fainted. VVhen I came to myself, I knelt 
down and prayed. In a short time, a gentleman came by 
in a buggy, and invited me to ride. In Utah this would 
not seem strange, but here it is like a miracle. When he 
learned who I was, he took pains to carry me to George 
White's, the presiding elder at Nails worth. I truly 
thanked the gentleman and praised my Heavenly Father 
for the blessing given me. 

April 20, 1878. One year from home; a damp, wet 
day, and I was confined to the house, for this damp 
weather affects my lungs. I wrote the following letter : 

''Dear Brother Lorenzo : On the 30th of this month, 
if spared till then, I shall be forty-one years of age. As 
a birthday present, I send you my photo, and a Bible card 
to each one of your family. 

"I feel grateful for the blessings and mercies be- 
stowed so graciously by the Father upon me. True there 
are times, when in sorrow, I may feel for a few moments, 
that my lot is hard, and my labors poorly recompensed. 
You know how much I have been a wanderer for the 
Gospel's sake, but you do not know how many weary 
steps I take, and how sadly I am tempted. Out of all, 
so far, I have been delivered, my weak body strengthened, 
and my heart comforted. In this I have great joy; and I 
trust this, my joy, will continue until the end of my pil- 
grimage in this life, which I now consider more than half 
completed. 

''The spheres of our calling seem not to be alike ; 
yet one may be as useful and honorable as the other. I 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 205 

hope you will be faithful in all the duties assigned to 
you. .No matter how humble the post, make it honorable 
by your faithful application of the principles of the Gos- 
pel. This principle should be the guide in all our labors. 

"No doubt you meet with trials at Orderville; and 
where, indeed, do we not find them? There is only one 
way that I know of, to be free from them; and that is to 
live so God will wall us around, as He did Job and Enoch, 
and his people. But we are hardly prepared for that, al- 
though we have started right. Now, if we can keep our 
integrity and purity to the end of this life, then we shall 
enter into the rest of our Lord. Kind love, to you and 
Sarah." 

Sunday, April 21st, I attended two Saints' meetings 
and spoke in both of them ; went home with a Mr. Tan- 
ner, not a member of the Church, and talked with him 
until midnight on the principles of the Gospel. 

My wife Tamar wrote : 

'T don't want you to feel that I have hard times. 
I know if I were surrounded with riches, it would not 
make my health any better. I know that I a.m greatly 
blessed; and like you, I am proud of my children, and I 
desire to bring them up in righteousness. 

"I know that you are a man of God — and I want to 
uphold you. You see and comprehend many things that 
I do not, until you point them out, and explain them to 
me, and I know that you have never given me other than 
good counsel." 

On Thursday, April 30, 1878, my forty- first birth- 
day, I remained in the office, nursing Brother Jacobs. 



206 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

On May 1st, my wife Tamar's twenty-sixth birthday, 
I walked fourteen miles, then took train sixteen miles to 
Trowbridge. Unable to find lodgings, I walked three 
miles to Heywood Lodge, where Joseph Trumble, game 
keeper, received me. I ate a cold supper, and starting 
upstairs to bed, was taken with a chill, and suffered all 
night. The next day I was still in pain, and kept m^ 
bed. On the 3rd, I received a letter from President 
Jacobs, informing me that I was released from the Bristol 
conference, and appointed to labor in the London confer- 
ence. By his request I returned to Bristol, very feeble 
in body ; but on Sunday, May 5th, a fair day, I attended 
a good testimony meeting, and partook of the sacrament. 
A letter from Apostle Wilford Woodruff, dated, His- 
torian's Office, Salt Lake City, April 18, 1878, awaited 
m.y arrival : 

"Elder John R. Young. Dear Brother: I received 
your interesting kind letter of March 11, 1878, and am 
much pleased to hear from you — also pleased to learn that 
you keep a journal. I wish all Elders in the vineyard 
would do it. 

'T returned from St. George in March to attend the 
April conference, and have been very busy here in Church 
business. Among other things, Erastus Snow and I have 
charge of building the Manti temple, which will occupy 
considerable of our time. We have had a great deal of 
hard labor to perform about the temple ground, before 
laying the first corner stone. We have had the moun- 
tain to move; forty feet high, about two hundred feet 
square, to make a place for the foundation. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 207 

'This foundation is about seventy feet above the 
level of the street below it. Then we have built four 
walls, one thousand feet long, seventeen feet high, and 
three feet thick on an average ; and built terraces between, 
which will be covered with fruit trees, shrubbery, and 
flowers thus making one of the most picturesque land- 
scapes in America. 

'In the Logan temple, the builders had nothing to 
do, but dig a trench three feet deep and lay the founda- 
tion, which they did last fall; while at Manti we had to 
move five thousand yards of rock and earth before we 
could lay the first stone of the building. We have the 
terrace walls nearly finished ; and I am in hopes to lay the 
corner stone of the temple by the middle of May. 

"We have had very early spring throughout Utah. 
IVees in Salt Lake were in bloom the first of April ; but 
we have now been having a cold rain and snow storm 
for seven days, and consequently fear for the loss of our 
fruit. 

''We have done a good deal of work for the dead in 
the temple during the past year ; and the work is still 
on the increase. On the 12th of February we baptized 
for one thousand five hundred eighty-four names ; we 
have given two hundred forty-four endowments in a day ; 
my day averages two hundred. The following is a list 
of some of our work during the last year for the dead : 
Baptized 41,231 ; gave endowments to 19,340; gave or- 
dinations for the dead, 17,559; and attended to all other 
ordinances accordingly. 

"I shall be glad when our other temples are fin- 



208 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

ished, so that all the people can enter therein and attend 
to the ordinances for their dead. I will put the name of 

on my list, according to your request and attend to 

it as soon as I have had an opportunity. I have had bap- 
tisms for some three thousand of my dead friends, and 
endowments for one thousand sixty-four before I left St. 
George ; all of which are recorded on my family record. 

''The friends are generally well in St. George. I 
shall be pleased to hear from you at any time. Remem- 
ber me kindly to any of my acquaintances you may see. 
Your brother in the Gospel of Christ. W. Woodruff." 

From my journal: On Tuesday, May 7th, 1878 I 
bade goodbye to President Jacobs. I have labored very 
pleasantly with him for the last six months. May the 
blessings of the Father still be with him. I took train 
for Newnham, for the purpose of visiting Sister Burris 
and family. Was sorry that Mr. Burris did not come into 
the fold. 



CHAPTER 25. 

I Visit London, the Gra^ndest City in the World. — Meet the 
Claridge family and leave my testimony with them. — 
Visit Portsmouth, and the Home of Nellie Grant Sardys. — 
Labor With Elder Connelly. — Rake Hay, and Receive a 
Gift from an English Lord. 

"On May 8th, 1878, a wet, disagreeable day, I 
walked twelve miles to Brother John Wadley's. The 
next day I baptized and confirmed Mrs. Eliza Wadley 
and her son Henry. I received a letter of instructions 
from Elder John Cook, President of the London Confer- 
ence. 

''On May 11th, I parted from Brother Wadley, and 
took train for London. At five p. m. I saw from the cai 
window the brown slate and red tile roofs of the great 
city, the home of five million people, and the center of 
the wealth of the world. 

''At Partington I left the cars and took the under 
ground street cars to King's Cross, then walked three 
miles to Bishop's Grove, where I met my cousin Lorenzo 
D. Young, Howard O. Spencer, Joseph W. Taylor, and 
Elder Ashworth, all from Utah. 

"Sunday, May 12th, I went with Brother Spencer 
to White Chapel and addressed the Saints. In the after- 
noon I preached on the Commons. These things are 
wonderful to me, and I keep repeating to myself: 'Who 
am I, that my Heavenly Father should honor me, to be 



210 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

a witness of His Son, the Redeemer of the world, to the 
inhabitants of the great city of London?' 

''Monday, May 13th, I met Brother Samuel Clar- 
idge, looking and feeling well. I went with him to his 
brother's, where we spent the day, talking with much 
freedom on the principles of the Gospel. We next visited 
Mr. Claridge's boot and shoe factory, a large establish- 
ment. Here we exhibited to the employees, views of 
Salt Lake City, and photos of President Brigham Young, 
the twelve apostles, and of many personal friends; al- 
ways closing our talks with a testimony of the truth of 
the Gospel, as taught by the Prophet Joseph Smith. . I 
have joy in these Gospel conversations. 

''On Tuesday, May 14, 1878-, with Elders Spencer 
and Claridge, I visited Mr. Ward, Elder Samuel 
Claridge's brother-in-law, and family, and had the pleas- 
ure of meeting Sister Millard, who came with us from 
Utah. I also met Mother Claridge, who is eighty- 
three years of age, yet very smart and active. 

"It seems she had learned of my having been help- 
ful to Elder Claridge, her son, and in gratitude, she put 
her arms around my neck, and said : "Bless thee heart, 
laddie, as long as I have one biscuit left, thee shall have 
half of it.' She listened attentively to the testimony of 
the man 'who had been so helpful to Auntie Millard, and 
who saved Sam's money while in New York.' 

"I was pleased with the confidence this numerous, 
intelligent, wealthy family placed in me; and I sought 
to leave a testimony that they would not forget. I talked 
one hour. to them, which is a long time for me. I spent 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 211 

four pleasant clays with Brothers Claridge and Spencer, 
visiting the Tower of London, the Crystal Palace, Al- 
bert's Palace, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathe- 
dral, Madame Tussaud's Wax Works, Green's Park, 
Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and the American Hotel. 

"Following this brief sight-seeing respite, I attend- 
ed a reunion of the .North London branch of the Church 
and had a feast of good things, spiritually and tempor- 
ally. The prospects seemed bright for me to do good in 
connection with Elder Claridge, when the Conference 
president hastened my departure. Consequently, on 
Friday, May 17th, I accompanied my cousin Lorenzo 
to Southampton, by train, eighty miles. We stayed at 
Brother Norton's, a gardener, and I received many kind- 
nesses from this brother and his amiable wife. 

''On Saturday, May 18, 1878, we walked to Ports- 
mouth, twenty miles, putting up at a hotel ; Lorenzo pay- 
ing the fare. In all my missionary labors, I have gone 
without purse or scrip, trusting for the way to open 
before me. This, as a rule, has thrown me among the 
middle classes ; and to this day I am bashful and awk- 
ward among the upper circles of society; but feel at 
home among farmers and trades-people. 

"On Sunday, May 19th, I attended meeting in the 
Saints' hall at two p. m. Lorenzo occupied the time. 
In the evening I addressed a full house, and spoke with 
great freedom. The next day I wrote to Thomas Rob- 
ertson as follows: 

"Dear Friend, I spent four happy days in London — 
sight-seeing, walking about ten miles each day, and I 



212 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

scarcely made a beginning. First we went to the Bank 
of England — ^but I might as well stop: I cannot tell a 
thousandth part of what I saw, and my predicament re- 
minds me^ of that of the Queen of Sheba, after having 
reviewed the rich appointments of Solomon's temple. 

''The massive-looking buildings of London, some of 
them twelve stories high, are marvelous to me; but what 
impresses me most is the solid, everlasting, never-tumble- 
down aspect of the old English masonry. The present 
generation are departing from the ways of their grand- 
fathers, and imitating American fashions; building light 
and cheap, for quick sale, and not for durability. 

"But here we are at the bank, and what a jam! 
Several streets converge as to a grand center, and every 
street is pouring forth a stream of busses, cabs, drays, 
and pedestrians like two conflicting tides, they ebb and 
flow, wave following wave; and none can tell why they 
come, nor whither they go. 

''We pass on to the bridge that spans the Thames. 
I measured it by my steps. It is one thousand twenty 
feet long, and forty feet wide; and the massive blocks 
of rock that form the abuttments, make a wall that looks 
to me substantial enough to form the ground work of 
the Egyptian Pyramids. 

"Next in order with us was a boat ride upon the 
Thames ; sweeping beneath the arched bridge of high- 
ways and railroads, until we reached Westminster. Our 
respect for the British nation would not suffer us to pass 
the House of Parliament without paying our compli- 
ments. We accordingly entered its honored portals, and 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 213 

bowed to the wigged statesmen we met in the grand hall. 
We next Hstened a few minutes to the monotonous 
reasoning of a speaker, and were impressed with the 
respectful silence and studied order that seemed to pre- 
vail; then we quietly retired. 

''Wellington's and Nelson's monuments are worthy 
of notice. I cannot do them justice, but while we were 
looking upon those splendid statues, the spirit seemed 
to whisper, 'See what heroes England has produced.' 
It was with relief, however, that we turned from con^ 
templating Waterloo and Trafalgar to a pleasant walk 
in the park. 

"Of all the beautiful things that I see in England, 
the sweetest to me are the parks, and no wonder; the 
Druids loved the sacred groves — nature's temples, where 
the forest dioristers ever warble sweet praise to the 
Giver of all good gifts, the Creator of heaven and earth. 

"But I came not to these lands seeking the glories 
and pleasures of the world ; and the eye, untutored, soon 
wearies of gazing upon these brilliant scenes. With 
quickened steps, therefore, we turned our faces toward 
Bishop's grove, where our brethren congregate. We 
never tire of listening to their voices ; and the sweet 
hymns often sung by our English sisters are more soul- 
stirring to us than 'Rule Britannia, Rule.' 

"May 2,5, 1878, I helped to pack the goods of, and 
start, two families for Utah : a busy, yet happy day. 
Portsmouth is noted for its excellent harbor and costly 
dock yards, said to be the largest in the world. The 
floating bridges and steam ferries pass from Port Sea 



214 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

to Goosport every ten minutes; a penny (two cents) for 
crossing. The harbor is studded with all kinds of water- 
craft, from the stupendous iron-clad battle ships to the 
tiny pleasure boat. 

*T often pass by the * Victory,' noted as the ship 
on which Lord Nelson fought his last, battle, dying like 
a brave sailor in the very hour of victory. Taken all 
in all, Portsmouth is a pretty place. England's peace 
pohcy, i. e., prepare for war in time of peace, is at 
present giving employment to many hands. 

'Tt was near this place that the unfortunate ''Eury- 
dice" foundered with four hundred souls on board. All 
perished but two; the most of the men being below and 
dying in their rooms. Divers say it is frightful to look 
through the windows into these cabins. The gruesome 
appearance of the dead appalls the stoutest heart. So 
far, all efforts to raise the ill-fated ship have failed; 
she still rests with her dead at the bottom of the sea. 

''Returning on foot to Southampton, twenty-three 
miles, at Warsash I passed the residence of Nellie Grant 
Sardys, daughter of ex-President U. S. Grant. The house 
outwardly has the appearance of an ih-proportioned farm 
house. It is going to decay; the roof of a lean-to has 
fallen in, and the gates and fence are sadly in need of 
repair. 

''Southampton is a pleasant place, with plenty of 
sunshine and fresh air. The dwellings are not as com- 
pact as in most English cities ; but the parks and lawns, 
with their flowers, shrubs, and trees, give a fresh rural 
appearance that I greatly admire. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 215 

''As I approached the ferry, the ringing of many 
hammers attracted my attention. I noticed the hulls of 
two large iron-clads on the docks. Today a thousand 
hammers are welding the ribs of these huge sea-monsters ; 
and cannon balls are being moulded by the ship-load. Leg- 
islative hall, pulpit, and press alike resound with words of 
encouragement, hurrying forward these so-called peace 
measures, which are really instruments of death. It is 
but a few days since I heard a clergyman say, 'It will be 
a great blessing if we can go to war, and kill off two or 
three million of the working people : we are too densely 
populated.' 

"On Monday, the 27th, I walked to Lockersly, four- 
teen miles, and found a family of Saints by the name of 
Paddock. I blessed three of their children, and baptized 
one ; also held an open-air meeting. It had been ten years 
since they had a visit from a valley elder. 

"On May 28th, I returned to Southampton. It was 
a pleasant walk, the road passing through a lovely coun- 
try, clothed in its spring robes of green. The next day 
I visited many families of the Saints, seeking to get 
acquainted, and speaking a few comforting words to each 
family. 

"May 31st, by request of President Cook, I returned 
to Portsmouth, and met Elder John Connelly, who will be 
my companion for the present. President Cook wished 
us to move southward, and visit the Saints who are some- 
what scattered in the south coast district. We labored 
about one month together, visiting isolated families, and 
small branches of the Church ; holding out-door meetings, 



216 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

and preaching by the fireside. Brother Connelly's health 
was poor, yet he was a pleasant companion, an excellent 
speaker, quick-witted, and humorous; and I believe if 
he had been nursed and encouraged that he would have 
filled a good mission. As it was, he felt discouraged and 
soon returned home. 

''On June 13th, 1878, with Elder Connelly, I walked 
to Ashburn, ten miles, and visited Sister Winchester. Her 
husband is not in the Church, and he has been so bitter 
and abusive that the Elders have ceased calling on them. 
We resolved, however, to take up a labor with Mr. Win- 
chester, and stayed three days, having a good rest and 
visit. Sister Winchester was very kind and thoughtful 
of our wants; and when we left, Mr. Winchester quietly 
slipped four shillings into my hand, showing that his 
heart had been softened. 

''On Saturday, June 15th, we visited Brother 
Elphick, and met a Mr. Burton, a relative of Robert T. 
Burton's. He kindly showed us through a gentleman's 
park, and garden. I was pleased with the order and neat 
appearance of walks, lawns, fish ponds, flower beds, for- 
est trees, and well-trimmed hedges. At this place, hops 
are extensively cultivated, giving employment to thou- 
sands of women. 

"June 17th, we visited William Guy of Westfield, 
then walked to Rex Hill, and dined with Mrs. Morris, 
not in the Church, having a good Gospel conversation. 
We next took cars for Chalvington, and were kindly re- 
ceived by Benjamin Guy, a farmer. Here we stayed four 
days — ^bright, sunny days and as there was a demand for 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 217 

hands in the hay field, I put on a 'smock frock,' and 
pitched and raked hay as well as the best of them, blister- 
ing my hands, but otherwise enjoying the labor. 

"On the fourth day I was called from the field to 
converse with an English lord, the owner of the farm. 
He had run down from London to see how work was 
getting on. He asked many questions about Utah. I 
spoke of the state's importance as a stock-raising and 
wool-growing country ; referred to our lead, copper, sil- 
ver, and gold mines ; pointed with pride to our educational 
record; and wound up with a synopsis of the principles 
of the Gospel, and the object of temple building. He re- 
quested me to drive him to the depot, four miles, and 
when we parted, he gave me a sovereign, and wished 
me 'God speed.' 

"Friday, June 21st, we returned to Bosham by way 
of Brighton and Chichester. The walk was a hard one 
for Elder Connelly, who is not strong in body ; neither is 
he used to out-door manual labor. I wish he had a better 
mission field. We found Brother Wallace and family 
well, and glad to see us. 

"He says when we are with him, he always has good 
luck in fishing." 

I received a letter from Brother David R. Gill, 
telling me that he and his family would sail for Utah with 
the 29th of June company. "Several families will go from 
that place" and they wished me to come and see them 
off. I wrote and got permission to make a short visit 
to Wales. I parted with Elder Connelly, and on June 
23rd, I preached in the Saints' hall, Southampton. 

IS 



218 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

Monday, the 24th, I called at Bristol to see President 
Jacobs, but he failed to connect. While walking on the 
street, I saw a man fall dead, the effect of sun stroke. I 
rode to Gloucester, then walked ten miles to see Brother 
Wadley. I found him sick, and confined to his bed. He 
thinks he is going to die. I promised him, in the name 
of the Lord, that if he would start for the valleys, he 
should live to get there, and have a home with the Saints. 

Tuesday, June 25th, I administered to Brother Wad- 
ley, when he got up, and walked a mile with me. He 
covenanted that he would pay his tithing, and gather with 
the Saints. I walked to Little Dean Hill, and visited Sis- 
ter Burris. Her little girl Emma is much better, but d 
mere skeleton compared with what she used to be. I 
took her in a perambulator, and wheeled all through 
town. I remember how bravely she stood by me, when 
the people, angered by my testimony, threatened to mob 
me; and I love her for her trustfulness, and purity of 
soul. 

In the afternoon I went to Ponty Pridd. Yester- 
day and today, I had attentive listeners in the cars ; for 
I always tell the people where I am from, and then, if 
they permit, I teach the Gospel to them. On Wednes- 
day, June 26th, I went with Sister Coles, to tell her par- 
ents that she is going to Utah. They were surprised, and 
at first, angry ; but after I had talked to them, they said 
it was all right. After dinner, I went to Hafod, where 
I met Elders William N. Williams and Thomas F. How- 
ells, and joined them in holding an open-air meeting. 

On Tuesday, June 27th I visited Mr. Coles, gave 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 219 

him a "Voice of Warning," and bore testimony to his fam- 
ily. In the evening I attended a baptismal meeting- on the 
banks of the creek near by, and spoke on the necessity 
of baptism. I showed that Christ gave His life as a seal 
of the divinity of the Gospel ; also that thirty- four years 
ago today Joseph Smith sealed his testimony with his 
life's blood. 

The next day I was up at four o'clock. Brother Gill 
was sick and the family were fearful that he would not 
be able to travel. I packed his things, called the family 
and visitors into prayers, asked God to heal Brother 
Gill, which He did, loaded his things on the cart, and 
seated Brother Gill and his wife on the top of the load. 
The Elders and a large company of friends followed on 
foot, three miles to the station, where we met other fam- 
ilies — Jenkin Thomas, Albert Jones, John D. Evans, and 
others. Some of the Saints were short of money to pay 
freight on their luggage. I talked with the agent, and his 
heart was softened, so that the small sum that I gave him 
made up the deficiency. I parted with Elder Thomas F. 
Howells and Brother Hughes, and took train with the 
Saints as far as Pontypool. Here I bade them and Elder 
Walter J. Lewis goodbye, wishing them a safe journey 
to Utah, \\niile waiting on the platform for a down- 
ward train, I wrote : 

PARTING WITH THE SAINTS. 

I see pale faces looking out of cars, 

I hear the whistle shriek — the start and jar. 

And the train, wath its load of human freight 



220 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

Fades from my sight, but still I wait. 

Stand and look to the dim, dark, west, 

With an aching head, and a throbbing breast. 

Till a streak of smoke, like a thread in the sky, 

Marks the path where the loved ones fly — 

Flying by steam, with the speed of a dove, 

To the Zion of God — the land that I love; 

O beautiful scene, sweet vision of light, 

To follow the Saints in their gathering flight. 

The beautiful parks and fields are passed, 
With the ripening grain, and waving grass — 
The hill's green-sward, and the forest grove. 
The singing birds, and bleating droves ; 
A thousand scenes so dear to the eye, 
Appear like a dream as we pass them by. 

We will not speak of the ^'mocking throng," 
The tained oath and bacchanal song, 
The crying for bread, the tattered clothes — 
All these we leave with Babylon's woes. 
But we'll speak of the songs that ring in my ear — 
"O Zion, dear Zion" and ''Cheer, Saints, Cheer" — 
"There is a land in Utah that I remember well. 
And there the Saints in joy and peace, and plenty ever 
dwell," 

may it prove a chosen land, to the dear ones going- 

there — 
And to this weary care-worn band, be ever bright and fair ! 

1 cannot help but wish them well, 
And yet my thoughts I cannot tell. 
Beginning with Jones, who rang the bell, 



^ MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 221 

The "out-door meetings" cried so well, 

Swelling the audience by his loud tones — 

Who can forget the crier, Jones? 

Next in the list comes Jenkin Thomas, 

Who pegged men's soles and pegged them honest. 

His smiling face I loved to see. 

He always looked so good to me; 

And if the face is index true 

To secret thought and actions, too, 

Then Jenkin Thomas, as sure as grace. 

Was "predestined" to win the race. 

And John D. Evans, honest man, 

Merits a name among the band. 

Oft has his voice rang on the breeze. 

Seeking not man, but God, to please. 

And D. R. Gill, whose voice inspires # 

To actions, worthy of our sires : 

Small in stature, but large in soul — 

His birthright he has never sold; 

It lies *mong "Everlasting Hills," 

By crystal lakes, and mountain rills. 

In Joseph's land, which, long concealed, 

By Jehovah's word is now revealed. 

There honey and milk and oil and wine 

Are blessings Ephraim's children find ; 

And finding, bless their Father -and God 

"For the Strength of the Hills, and the Mountain sod." 

And now, goodbye to one and all — 

Parents, children, great and small. 

I've said my say, and now I go, 

The seeds of truth again to sow ; 

Scattering it with liberal hands 

As I have done in other lands. 



222 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

These smiling faces I'll see no more 

Until we meet on Zion's shore. 

Will they forget? and you, dear Kate 

Wilt ever linger ''at the garden gate?" 

And think of him, who at Ponty Pridd, 

Proved friend to thee, and brother indeed? 

Oft will he long for thy voice again — 

But, goodbye friends, here's the downward train. 

On Saturday, June 29th, I went to Lockersley and 
visited Brother Paddock. At seven p. m. we were visited 
with one of the heaviest raiii storms that ever I have 
seen. The water seemed to fall in sheets, and soon the 
streets were like young rivers. Heavy thunder and light- 
ning accompanied the rain. I was thankful that I was 
under shelter. Sunday, June 30th, I walked into South- 
ampton in time for meeting ; found Elder Connelly and 
friends well. July 2nd, I held evening cottage meeting 
at Shirley, and had a good time. July 3rd, I went on 
to Brother Quinton's. Here I parted with Elder Con- 
nelly : he walked on to London, while I returned to 
Southampton. 



CHAPTER 26. 



Conditions at Orderville. — Letter to E. M. Webb, on Politics.— 
Visit Winchester's Cathedral. — Pass Through the Tower 
of London. — Letter from President William Budge. — 
Mobbed at Albourne. 



July 4, 1878, a quiet peaceable day, I baptized Miss 
Eliza Combs, also Mrs. Powell and her daughter. It is 
a comfort, while gleaning, to find, once in a while, a 
cluster of fruit. I also received letters from home. Newell 
is very poor in health. I fasted and prayed that he might 
be healed, and live to be an active worker in the vineyard 
of our Lord. Today he is an intelligent worker in Church 
and education lines. 

Orderville, May 21, 1878. 

"Elder John R. Young. Dear Brother: It is with 
pleasure I seat myself to write to you at this time. Health 
prevails in our midst, and seemingly there is nothing but 
prosperity awaiting us; and yet the power of the adver- 
sary is not overcome, by any means. 

'T have taken great delight in hearing your de- 
scriptive letters. One can almost imagine himself at the 
places you mention, looking at, instead of hearing of 
them. I am in hopes that you and Broi;hei' Cla- 
ridge will soon be released. You are needed here. 
We have had close times this winter in food and clothing ; 
but if I can see the future right, as I believe I can, our 
worst days of poverty are past. 



224 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

"Yet, looking at things naturally, what varying 
changes and circumstances God may call us to pass 
through, to give us necessary experience, is more than I 
am prepared to say. We have been blessed in having a 
good yield of wool this clip — about twenty-five hundred 
pounds more than we expected. Our prospects for good 
crops this year are a great deal better than at this time 
last year. Our tannery and furniture shops are beginning 
to bring us an income. We intend launching out in these 
businesses, the tannery especially, and the manufacture of 
leather articles. 

"We have purchased the Glendale grist mill : price, 
three thousand dollars. We pay stock in Kanab mill, 
twelve hundred dollars ; land in Kanab field, six hundred 
dollars ; your city lot in Kanab, five hundred dollars ; we 
are to pay four hundred fifty in trade, and two hundred 
fifty dollars in cash. 

"During the past two years the mill has brought in 
over a thousand bushels of grain, for toll. It is in good 
repair. We take possession the first of August. I should 
like you to write to me if you can spare the time. With 
kind regards, I am your Brother, E. M. AVebb." 

This letter interested me, as it awakened sweet recol- 
lections of past labors. In 1874, acting under a written 
appointment from President Brigham Young and George 
A. Smith, I visited the Mt. Carmel Ward, and organized 
the Orderville United Order. Israel Hoyt was sustained as 
president, and William Heaten, secretary. The organ- 
Izino- of that societv brou^-ht division into the ward. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 225 

Bishop Bryant Jolly, and his strong, numerous family and 
relations, formed a wall of opposition against coopera- 
tive labor that made life in the community unpleasant. 
To avoid strife and contention the members of the Order 
sold their homes, and moved in a body onto a new, un- 
improved piece of land, two miles above Mt. Carmel. 
Here they commenced the town of Orderville, securing 
the title of the land to the Order. From that start onward, 
no man could say "this is mine." All- members were re- 
quired to deed their property, both real and personal, to 
the society, thus all wealth became common, there were 
no rich, and no poor, for all were equal. The first build- 
ing erected was a hotel, where all who were in health 
could eat at one table. William M. Black was placed in 
charge of the hotel, with seven sisters as a working force. 
When the Order was in the zenith of its prosperity, those 
eight persons placed the food upon the table for eighty 
families, the meals were served at 7, 12, and 6 o'clock, 
and were as regular as clock work. 

If the organization had been perpetuated, that one 
change would have brought wealth to the community. For 
instance, instead of eighty women getting breakfast, eight 
persons prepared it, thus saving seventy-two days labor 
daily. Again, by the hotel system, all laborers could start 
their work at the same minute, thus saving many hours of 
valuable time. A president with two counselors were the 
presiding authority. Six directors chosen by the people 
formed the executive board, men and women were or- 
ganized into working companies. The men were classi- 
fied into three grades, boys, juniors and men — the men 



226 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

were credited $1.50 per day, all men were credited the 
same wage, there being no difference betwen common and 
skilled labor. 

They engaged, in farming, sheep and cattle raising, 
saw mills, grist mills, furniture, tanning, manufacturing 
boots, shoes and harness, blacksmithing ; and established 
a woolen factory. They were the most independent self- 
sustaining community in the state of Utah. Each branch 
of industry had a foreman selected from the community, 
and nominated by the directors, but we were governed by 
common consent, hence nominations were not in force, un- 
til voted upon. Each family had their separate home, 
which was sacred to the family, subject strictly to the 
parents' government and discipline. 

Honesty, virtue and temperance were necessary to 
secure fellowship in the society; the policy of the Order 
was to select the wisest men and women to be our leaders. 

Soon after organizing, Howard O. Spencer was sus- 
tained as president. He was a fearless, good man, but 
by nature not a financial business man. Later, Thomas 
Chamberlain, a young, progressive man, developed in the 
community, presided, and Edward M. Webb, became 
secretary. Under this capable guidance the association was 
prospering. 

But President Brigham Young was the pilot, the 
guiding star. When he died the master mind was gone. 

The visible leader, who said, '^Unless you are one 
in temporal things, how can you be one in spiritual 
things ?" and 'The way the world does business is a sin, 
the strong build themselves up by putting the weak ones 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 227 

down." That was the voice of the Good Shepherd to 
that people, and when that voice was hushed in death, the 
light was gone — and the community dissolved. It needs 
the Leadership of the Priesthood to establish the United 
• Order. 

July 10, 1878. I received a letter from my Brother 
Franklin giving an account of the death of his son Da- 
vid. He was a lovable boy. I wrote : 

"Let me rest, for I am weary; tell the children to keep 

still- 
Soon ril pass the trackless prairie, and will stand on 

Zion's hill, 
O, how hard to some the journey! but to me 'tis peace 

and joy, 
Truth and purity bring favor, and I've been a faithful 

boy. 
Saying thus, he turned him over, gently sank in peaceful 

rest; 
Who can doubt that now in glory, David liveth with the 

blest. 
O how happy was the passing o'er the desert we call 

death, 
Like a ship with fair wind sailing to the Saints' Haven 

of rest. 

"To a land of fruit and flowers, whei;e pure fountains ever 

flow, 
Where the gentle summer showers cause life-giving food 

to grow, j 



228 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

4 

And we'll find celestial order in that land of fruit and 
vines — 

Fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, 'tis so sacred and di- 
vine. 

Here we are but few in numbe*r ; there we'll meet a count- 
less throng. 

And we'll smile, and ask in wonder, how we tarried here 
so long. 

''Then we'll see the hidden wisdom of concealing from our 

view. 
Light and knowledge, and the vision of our home where 

all is new. 
May we all have strength to follow, in this happy painless 

way ; 
Short the struggle and the sorrow when we leave this 

house of clay; 
With our kindred dear to bless us, all the loved ones 

gathered round, 
Angels also near to lead us, to the home where Christ is 
^ -found." 

I passed Sunday, July 14th, at Satchel. From my 
journal : 

"Today we had a most excellent meeting. I had the 
privilege of giving my testimony to several intelligent 
strangers. I trust I am sowing seed that will bring a 
harvest of souls to some future reaper. On July 16th, 
I walked to Bosham. My health is poor. I wrote aS 
follows : 

"Elder E. M. Webb. Dear Brother: In answer to 
yours will say, we are having a fine summer, warm and 
clear; crops look well, and the oats and barley harvest 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 229 

has commenced. Wheat is also looking golden and ripe. 
Potato blight is not quite so bad as last year. 

^'Before this reaches you, you will have learned that 
peace has crowned the efforts of the Berlin conference, 
and the Russian-Turks war is ended. Russia acquires 
Batoum and considerable adjoining- territory of import- 
ance to her, as it opens the way for her to make further 
advance into eastern Persia and Egypt. To offset this, 
England, to the surprise of all Europe, has secured by 
purchase and secret treaty, at the very time of the con- 
vening of the peace congress, the island of Cypress, said 
to be the key to the highway leading into the rich agri- 
cultural districts of the Nile; and also the overland road 
to her extensive East India Empire. 

'T am not a political man, but in my opinion, Eng- 
land has got the lion's share. Her gold, and Disraeli's 
diplomacy have given her the victory. Russia submits 
with a deep low growl ! Austria gets a nice bone, sweeter 
than she expected; while Erance, snubbed and defied, is 
loud in her expressions of discontent and indignation. 
Earl Beaconsfield has covered himself with present glory, 
while Gladstone is no longer glad — the stone of dis- 
appointment lying heavy on his heart. When I came 
to England, the masses spoke of him as the people's 
"Will;" now they call him "the discarded Bill." 

"Strange such a difference there should be, 
'Twixt tweedledum and tweedledee." 

This is the result, and fortune of politics. In all 
nations, so far as I have seen, are restless spirits who 



230" MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

must be active. If assailed by outside enemies, these 
restless cusses will unite in the common defense; but 
overcome outward pressure, and they will turn round and 
sow division, just for the pure love of the thing. 

''England is a grand nation ; and her laws are admin- 
istered impartially in harmony with the moral tone of the 
nation. This gives her strength and durability; but the 
life-destroying doctrines of Bradlaugh, falsely called the 
philosophy of life, are slowly but surely, sapping her 
strength and durability. Class distinction is also a great 
evil. The hereditary aristocrat fears the tiller of the 
soil, and does all in his power to perpetuate his poverty ; 
which means weakness to the nation, begetting as it does, 
jealousy and hate; while the wage earner, true to the law 
of fallen humanity, returns hate for hate; steals and de- 
frauds whenever he can, and smiles as he thinks of a day 
of change when he will break the neck of the proud man, 
and scatter his wealth as the sower scatters the grain in 
fresh-plowed fields. 

"The kings of the earth have their eye upon this 
discontent; and try for self protection, what suavity and 
promise of reform may do, or else get up a war abroad 
in order to have peace at home. Yet their jealousy of 
one another, coupled with internal restlessness compels 
every European country to keep large standing armies — 
to maintain their power by a wall of cannon and a circle 
of steel. 

''Today the kings are taking counsel of one another, 
while the working men are forming unions ; hence two 
great powers are consolidating. In course of time, like 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 231 

angry clouds driven by different winds, they will dash 
upon each other, until they are broken. Thus may the 
way be prepared for the kingdom of God, beneath whose 
justice and mercy men will feel a spirit of compromise, 
the forerunner of universal peace. 

"The mail has just come, bringing letters from you, 
Thomas Robertson, and from my wife Lydia. While I 
read these, political ideas vanish from my mind as dews 
fade before the rising sun; and now increased love, deep 
yearnings, and fond recollections of home swell in the 
heart : 

O Zion, thou loved one. 

When shall I behold thy chaste brow. 
And view thy lofty hills 

All clothed in snow? 

'T walked to Winchester, looked again through the 
cathedral, and had a long gospel talk with a lady and 
Claurch of England minister. Next I visited Sister 
Mathews at Newfishborne. She is very feeble and nigh 
unto death. I gave her the sacrament and blessed her. 

"Alonday, July 22nd, I went to London. I met 
President Warren B. Smith and his Brother Alma L., 
who is released to return home. In the ev^ening, with 
them, I visited Madame Tussaud's Wax Works, viewed 
over two hundred life-sized statues of the leading men 
and women of the world, examined the French guillotine, 
an instrument used to clip off suspected people's heads. 
On the side wall was a row of heads, showing a speci- 



232 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

men of work done. It looked too natural to be pleas- 
ant, — as if the blood were still dripping- from the severed 
necks. 

''I Was pleased with Napoleon's carriage. Order and 
comfort were combined in its arrangements. He could 
write, sleep, or eat, as he chose. A group of the Berlin 
Congress attracted most attention. Prince Bismarck's 
towering and powerful figure was in marked contrast 
with Earl Beaconsfield's diminutive body. The Rus 
si an ministers were noble-looking men : they may be bar- 
barous, but they are nobody's fools. Henry VHI, with 
his six wives grouped around him were interesting to 
me. Strong will and voluptuous tendencies were plainly 
stamped upon his features. 

''With Alma L. and Warren B. Smith, I took a 
street buss to London Bridge, and went through St. Paul's 
cathedral. It is a stupendous building. The spire is four 
hundred seventy-four feet high. The gilded cross looks 
from the ground to be six inches in diameter, yet six men 
can sit on it. From the cathedral I went by stea«fer 
down the Thames to Westminster Abbey, passed through 
its venerated halls, then visited the House of Parliament, 
the forum of Anglo Saxon legislation. We lingered 
some time in the lobbies, but did not hear the voice of 
Chatham nor Burke. 

'Trom Parliament we went to the Crystal Palace, 
where we remained until 8 p. m. This is the loveliest 
place that I have ever seen. The palace is a model of 
beauty, and it was a feast to wander in the garden-beds 
of flowers and rose plants, interspersed with statuary or 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 233 

I 
stuffed animals, and the statues of noted travelers, teach- 
ing history with object lessons. We next passed into the 
art gallery, and looked at novelties from all parts of the 
known world. Here we listened to a dramatic tragedy, 
followed by music from the grand Handel organ; which 
latter, to my untutored ear, was a real treat. The hour 
was late when we returned to Bishop's- Grove; but the 
best part of my sig-ht-seeing came after midnight : I 
dreamed of home, blessed home! 

On July 24th, Utah's sacred holiday, we visited the 
Tower of London, the ancient, national, political prison 
of England. If these gloomy walls could speak, what 
tragedies they could unfold ! Here are specimens of arms, 
and accoutrements of war, ancient and modern; from 
the knotty hawthorn war-club to the improved repeat- 
ing rifle; men and horses clothed in armor; instruments 
of torture ; the heading block and the ax that severed the 
gentle Lady Grey's head from her shoulders. 

But the gem of the tower was the ''jewel room," in 
which are deposited crowns and jewels to the value of 
six million pounds sterling — wonderful wealth locked up 
where it can do no good. It can neither feed the hungry 
nor clothe the naked ; it can satisfy only pride and power. 
We next went to Albert's Hall, and saw Albert's monu- 
ment. I shall long remember this beautiful work of art, 
the witness of a nation's love for a noble man. 

In the evening I attended meeting, and listened to 
an interesting discourse by Elder A. L. Smith, who gave 
a thrihing narrative of the massacre at Haun's mill, where 
eighteen of our brethren were shot down in cold blood. 

16 



234 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

His father and little brother were among the killed, and 
he was himself grievously wounded, his hip bone having 
been shot away. 

On my return home I found the following letter from 
the mission headquarters in Liverpool : 

''Elder John R. Young. Dear Brother: On my ar- 
rival from Sheffield last night I found a letter from 
President John Taylor in which he says, 'We shall be 
pleased to have you release Elder John R. Youi:kg, now 
laboring in England, to return home this fall.' The rea- 
son is, your father wishes to gather all his children to- 
gether at St. George this fall or coming winter to attend 
to ordinances in the temple, which he does not think it 
prudent to delay. You are therefore. Brother Young, at 
liberty, with our approbation and blessing, to make pre- 
parations to return home. 

"And as we are anxious to have your help in the 
mission as long as we consistently can during the favor- 
able season, w^e therefore suggest that you return in the 
ship to sail about the 12th of October. I have not here- 
tofore made your acquaintance, but shall be pleased to do 
so when you reach Liverpool. Praying that God may 
continue to bless you in your labors, I am your brother 
in the Gospel, William Budge." 

On Saturday, July 27, 1878, I went to Newbury, 
w^here I had the pleasure of meeting Elder Howard O. 
Spencer, a friend much-loved. Sunday, the 28th, we held 
meeting at Brother Bristow's. Elder Spencer and I oc- 
cupied the time. At 6 :30 p. m. I preached on the public 
square, near the Corn Exchange, then went home with 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG, 235 

Brother Pocock, four miles — and English miles are long. 
July 29th, I wrote letters until dinner, then walked back 
■to Newbury and preached on the public square, followed 
by Elder Spencer. We encountered much opposition. 

I am glad that father desires to get his family to- 
gether. How pleased I shall be to see my parents stand 
as prince and princess in the Holy Priesthood, at the head 
of their numerous offspring, and see all this sealed upon 
them in this life. Then, it seems to me, they can pass 
the portals of death in joy; knowing that rest and peace, 
as well as eternal life are blessings gained by union, obe- 
dience and sacrifice. 

I walked to Ramsbury, seven miles, and attended a 
Methodist open-air meeting. At the close of their service. 
Elder Spencer and I addressed the people. 

Thursday, August 1st, Howard and I went to Aid- 
bourne and held meeting on the public square. We were 
mobbed by about one hundred fifty persons. Brothers 
Spencer, Chouls, Griffin and his wife and I backed into 
a narrow alley, where we kept a solid front, and beat 
the mob back. Howard, Griffin, and his wife fought like 
heroes — until we reached Brother Griffin's house, where 
we found shelter; but the mob broke in all the windows, 
and hammered on the door until a late hour. 



CHAPTER 27. 

Good-bye to England — A Poem — The Master's Question. 

I continued to labor pleasantly with Elder Howard 
O. Spencer until I was released to return home. I re- 
member the sad look that rested on Howard's face when 
1 said goodbye to him ; a man of sorrows, but as true and 
good a man as ever lived. 

I borrowed ten dollars of John H. Miles, and sold 
him my valise for five dollars. Then I bought a suit of 
clothes that served me until I returned home. 

My last Sunday in England I spent with Elder 
Jacobs. We attended a Methodist open-air meeting on 
May Hill. There were four local ministers present. They 
mistook me for one of Spurgeon's elders from London, 
and invited me to preach. With joy, I accepted the chair; 
but soon they ordered me down; and when I refused to 
come down, they tried to pull me down. I appealed to 
the people, who sustained me. The ministers left in dis- 
gust. I talked for one hour on the restoration of the 
Gospel, then called President Jacobs to the chair, and he 
bore a strong testimony to the truth of what I had said. 

It was thus that I closed my missionary labors in 
England. 

When I came home, I brought Mother Jaynes, the 
old lady whom I first saw in a dream, while sleeping in 
a wooden-bottomed chair. Just before starting for home, 
I received a kind letter from my father-in-law, William 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 237 

M. Black. Brother Black had forgotten my address, and 
so sent the letter to the Liverpool office. By mistake it 
had been sent from there into Scotland. It traveled 
thence all over Scotland and England, and finally found 
me on the streets of London. The envelope was so worn 
that a ten-dollar greenback bill was plainly visible, and 
was kept in its place only by a tow string tied around 
the envelope. The money, reaching me in that way seemed 
a .miracle, and I resolved to do a charitable deed with it. 

At Michael, Dean Hill, in the Bristol conference, 
lived a family by the name of Burris. The family con- 
sisted of father and mother, a son Absalom, nineteen; 
Emma, seven ; and Kissy, three years of ag-e. The father 
and son were not in the Church ; but the home had. been 
a home for our elders for twenty years. When I was 
there, the elders had been mobbed so much that open- 
air meetings had been discontinued. 

President Joseph F. Smith wrote me to persist in 
holding them; but the Saints refused to accompany me, 
so I went at it alone. Only little Emma Burris went 
with me, and several times I felt that all that kept the 
mob from doing violence to me, was the presence of that 
innocent little girl clinging so trustingly to me, and I 
loved her for it. I wrote to Mr. Burris, and asked him to 
let me bring Emma home with me. He consented; and 
with that ten dollars I emigrated her to Salt Lake City. 
Upon my arrival at father's, her undies, Joseph and 
Thomas Morgan, came to see her. They begged me to 
let her stay with them. I consented on condition that 



238 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

they would bring the family to Zion. They promised to 
do so, and they kept their covenant. 

Upon reaching" Zion, Emma's father and Brother 
Absal6m joined the Church and Brother Burr is died a 
faithful worker in the Logan temple. At this writing, 
1916, Apple's son is filling a mission in the southern 
states. What a rich harvest from so small a sowing! 
And the end of the fruitage is not yet. 

How much good I have done, I leave to the Lord. 
My life has been humble, but active. Starting in for my- 
self without a second coat to my back, I have supported 
a large family and given much of my time to preaching 
the Gospel and doing pioneer work. 

To my wives and children, for their loyalty to me, 
I owe much, — more indeed than I may ever repay. In 
this brief writing, I have endeavored to show that they 
suffered much, and yet always did a noble, sacrificing 
part. No man ever had a better family. My father, in 
his declining years, helped me liberally, and I love his 
memory. Upon my return from England, I received a 
hearty welcome from my parents, my family, and my 
brothers, sisters, and friends. 

My wife Albina, and son Silas, met me at Salt Lake 
City with a team. On our arrival at Orderville, the 
band came out and gave us a serenade and welcome. I 
associated with the Orderville organization seven years; 
laboring to the best of my ability for the good of all, and 
there was joy in that labor. 

After the death of President Brigham Young,* the 
Order was left to stand upon its own merits. At least 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 239 

President Taylor seemed to take but little interest in our 
affairs. The Orderville people were emerging from the 
deep poverty they at first had to contend with, arid pros- 
perity was coming to them. But with plenty came a spirit 
of speculation, and speculation brought disunion. I there- 
fore withdrew from them, careful not to do them any 
wrong. 

I moved next to Loa, where my home should be 
today, 1888; but because I will not put away wives that 
I married twenty years ago, when there was no law mak- 
ing it a crime, I am compelled to seek the ''underground," 
or else be humiliated by imprisonment, which I will not 
submit to, if I can possibly avoid it. 

One day, while sitting under a tree, writing this 
journal and watching my sheep, I found in an old news- 
paper that my dinner was wrapped in, the following verse, 
with the heading: 

''the master's question." 

"Have ye looked for sheep in the desert. 

For those that have missed their way ? 
Have ye been in the wild, waste places 

Where the lost and wandering stray ? 
Have ye trodden the lonely highway — 

The foul and darksome street? 
It may be ye'd see in the gloaming, 

The prints of my wounded feet." 

To this I made answer in the following verses, which 
may not unfitly conclude the account of my missionary 
labors : : 



240 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

Yes, I have sought in the desert 

For the sheep that have wandered afar. 
I have foHowed the trail o'er the mountain 

By the hght of the polar star. 
Thave climbed the steep wild pali, 

Thousands of miles away ; 
I have sought in rain and sunshine, 

For the sheep that have gone astray. 

With footsteps faint and weary, 

I have threaded the darksome street, 
I have entered the lowly dwelling. 

Asking for a crust to eat. 
I have walked from eve till morning, 

Facing a pelting storm. 
Earnestly seeking to gather the sheep 

Into the Master's barn. 

I have folded home to my bosom. 

The tender, trembling lamb. 
I have carried on my shoulder, 

The weak and helpless dam. 
I have cried with a voice of kindness 

To the wayward, heedless throng; 
I have checked the dogs that in blindness 

Were worrying the wild and .strong. 

I have left my home and loved ones — 

The mother who gave me birth — 
And wandered, weak and lonely, 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 241 

Half way round the earth. 
From Hawaii's shore to London, 

M}^ voice by night and day, 
Has called, as a shepherd's warning 

To the sheep that had gone astray. 

I have used my strength and substance, 

I have given the little I had, 
Ever willing to lend a hand 

To the sinning, and the sad. 
And though my strength is failing, 

And I often stumble and fall, 
Yet would I hunt the desert again. 

At the blessed Savior's call. 
For I have seen the prints of His feet. 

When the spirit rested on me ; 
And when the sheep are gathered, I trust, 

In the Master's fold to be. 



CHAPTER 28. 

In Memory of My Wife, Albina.— "By Their Fruits Ye Shall 
Know Them." 

In 1858, when I was returning from my first mis- 
sion to the Sandwich Islands, I met in San Francisco, Lo- 
renzo Sawyer, the attorney-general of the state of Cali- 
fornia. He was my cousin on my mother's side. At that 
time the Mormon people were under a cloud of displeasure 
from the people and government of the United States. 
Acting upon misrepresentation, and without investigation, 
President Buchanan had sent an army of two thousand 
five hundred men under General Albert S. Johnston, to put 
down the alleged Mormon rebellion in Utah, as already 
narrated elsewhere in this journal. My cousin, seemingly 
wishing to snatch me from the doom overshadowing my 
people, made me this offer: 

'Tf you will stay here, I will put you into the best 
school in the state of California for three 3^ears, then take 
yon into thie office with me, a year, and let you study 
law. Then I will give you a thousand dollars in gold, for 
you to commence life with." 

That was the most liberal offer that ever came to me. 
I desired an education, but I loved my people more than 
I loved myself. I said to my cousin, ''You do not know^ 
the Mormon people. You believe them rebellious and dis- 
loyal to our government. It is not so. The reports put in 



^•^, 




ALBINA TERRY YOUNG 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 243 

circulation against them are false. I thank you for your 
kind offer, but decline it." 

I returned to Utah, and on the 23rd day of June my 
cousin Brigham drove me in a one-horse buggy from 
Provo to Salt Lake City. At Draper I received the kiss 
of welcome from my dear mother, and my sister Harriet. 
At the city I found my father, waiting like "a lion in his 
lair," and ready to apply the torch to his home if the army 
did not keep its promise to not camp within the limits of 
our city." At that time father's families had been moved 
to Spring Creek, seventy-five miles south of the city. As 
soon as peace was declared, I engaged actively in moving 
them back to their hornes. When that was accomplished. 
I told father of the offer my cousin made, and said I am 
now going back to California to get an education. 

The next morning, while I was passing the Church 
office, Uncle Brigham beckoned to me, — then came out 
and walked with me to Brother Wells' corner. Here we 
sat down on a pile of lumber, and after I had told him of 
my plans, he was silent a moment, then asked, 

''Johnny, did you ever know me to give unwise 
counsel?" "Never." "Well, I want to give you a little 
counsel. Don't you go to California. Don't you study 
law. Look around, find a good girl, get married and 
make yourself a home. 

Without another word he returned to his office and 
the brightest dream of my life had been swept away. What 
should I do ? I sat a few minutes as if dazed, then sprang 
to my feet, saying, "I will accept counsel, let it lead me 
where it will." 



244 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

A little later I met my Uncle Joseph. He said, 
''Johnny, Bishop Stewart wants you to go to Draper and 
talk to the yoimg folks. Will you go?" 

''Yes, when does he want me." 

"Next Monday night." 

"I will be there." 

The schoolhouse was packed full that night. I had 
commenced talking, when a lady came in and was given a 
seat in front of the stand. Our eyes met, and I heard a 
voice say, "That is your wife." After meeting she was 
introduced to me as Miss Albina Terry. From that hour 
our life stream began flowing in one channel, but not to 
anticipate, I will let Albina tell her side of our love story. 
After we were engaged she confided to me : 

"I had been unfortunate and unhappy in my first 
loves, and it had left me with a bleechng heart. I tried to 
forget, but could not. My health failed, until my parents 
became alarmed at my condition. One day in a heart to 
heart talk, my mother said, 'My daughter, if you will go 
to the Lord with your sorrows, he will comfort you.' I 
accepted her counsel. With fasting and prayer I asked 
the Father for help, and He graciously answered my plead- 
ings. In a dream I saw a rosy-cheeked laughing boy, and 
a Person said, 'See, your husband.' 

"I told my mother the dream ; my hope revived, and 
my health became better. I waited and watched. Suitors 
came, but I shunned them. Three years had passed, and 
I was still at home. Johnston's army was coming, and all 
of our people from Salt Lake City northward, had fled to 
the south. Our home being only a few rods back from 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 245 

the road, we saw thousands of people pass southward until 
the stream was exhausted. One day as I sat weaving, my 
face to the street, a one-horse buggy with two men in it, 
drove by. The one on the side nearest us turned his face 
toward me and laughed. Instantly I cried, 'Oh, mother ! 
That is my husband. Who are they?' I came to the meet- 
ing, and when I saw you, I knew you. I felt confused, 
yet a thrill of joy came to me. At the close of the meetr 
ing, I sought your sister and went home with her, for 
I knew you would be there." 

On New Year's day we were married — and a blessing- 
had come to me. She was industrious and saving as a 
housekeeper; she was also a wise counselor, and a loyal 
wife. As my family became enlarged, I adopted the plan 
of buying my family supplies by wholesale. 

While we were living in Long Valley, I was a 
farmer, and also a saw-mill man. In the fall I would 
load my teams with lumber and grain and go to the Wash- 
ington factory seventy-five miles away, buy my supplies, 
take them home, and give them to Albina, for I knew 
that she would divide them justly with every other mem- 
ber of the family. She was big hearted enough to sym- 
pathize with the other wives, and if trouble occurred in 
the family she always took their parts, yet so wisely and 
soothingly, that she always kept my love and confidence. 
By nature, I was of a quick, irritable disposition, and her 
firm calmness was a great help to me. It served as a 
balance wheel to keep me from flying to pieces. And her 
life had deeper roots than love for her husband, as the 
following incident illustrates : 



246 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

In St. George, in 1864, I had two wives; for four 
years we had lived in tents and wagon beds, owing to de- 
privations, resulting from extended missionary labors. I 
had succeeded in getting up a one-roomed house which I 
was shingling, when the postman in passing, handed Al- 
bina a letter, remarking, "I think Brother Young is called 

on a mission again." I exclaimed, ''I will be if I will 

go." "O father, don't say that," said my first wife. "You 
don't want to humiliate us. Think how we would feel if 
you should refuse to respond to a mission call." Thus did 
she ever encourage me to be loyal to my duty to the nation 
and the Church. The following incident, also touched 
upon elsewhere, illustrates her power of faith : 

In 1868, returning from a. visit to the Moqui In- 
dians, forty-seven men in our company, we crossed the 
Colorado river on a raft made of flood-wood. I had 
charge of the rude ferry. We made five trips, which oc- 
cupied the entire day; most of the time my feet were in 
the cold river water, while my body was perspiring with 
the exertions I had to make. That night I was attacked 
with cramping colic and suffered fearfully. In the morn- 
ing, being out of food, we had to move on. Keeping in the 
saddle gave me great pain. At Kanab the boys found the 
old cast-away running gears of a wagon. They made a 
harness out of ropes, and lashing two poles on the running 
gears, they swung me in a hammock between them, and 
hauled me to Washington to my house. John Mangum 
was my driver and nurse, and he was careful and tender 
to relieve my pain. He gave me in all twenty-two pills 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 247 

and a pint of castor oil, and I carried that load in my 
stomach nine days. 

As soon as we reached Washington, Doctors Israel 
Ivins and Silas G. Higgins were summoned from St. 
George. They came and worked five days with me, then 
gave me up. Bishop Covington came, and "sealed me 
up unto death," that my sufferings might cease. He 
kindly offered to watch during the night, but Albina ex- 
cused him. 

As soon as he was gone, my wife sent for Brother 
Tyler, a humble ward teacher. She next persuaded tne 
family to get a httle rest, then sitting by my side, poured 
out her soul to the Lord, until Brother Tyler's heart was 
touched; and kneeling by my bed, he too pleaded with the 
Father to spare me. 

While he prayed, I awoke as from a sleep. I saw the 
two kneeling ; I listened to their pleadings, and wondered 
v^hat it meant. I placed my hand on Albina' s head, when 
she looked up and sprang to her feet crying, ''He is saved ! 
He is saved!" 

In the morning I dressed, and as the bishop came by, 
I hailed him, took a seat by his side, and rode in a lumber 
wagon over to St. George to attend the quarterly confer- 
ence. 

To me, it has ever seemed the womanly strength of 
character and faith of Albina that saved me. 

Albina died on the 8th of January, 1913. From her 
birth to her grave, she was a pioneer. She drove a yoke 
of oxen from the Missouri river to Salt Lake City. One 
of her sons, in learning of her death, wrote : 



248 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

"The hand is still that bore the whip, across the dreary 

plain, 
Heeding neither wind nor dust, nor driving mountain 

rain ; 
Trusting in a hope divine that ever bore her up. 
Tasting alike the joy of toil, and of its bitter cup. 
And thus through life she journeyed on, bravely to the 

end. 
And all along her thorny trail, were those who called her 

friend." 




LYDIA KNIGHT YOUNG 



CHAPTER 29. 

In Memory of My Wife, Lydia. 

When I married Albina, Uncle Brigham and Aunt 
Clara D. honored me with their presence at the banquet, 
which father provided. Uncle Brigham told this inci- 
dent : 

"The first time that I spoke on the principle of plural 
marriage was in the Nauvoo temple, in a room we had 
finished and dedicated as a prayer-circle room. At the 
close of our exercises, I gave permission for any one to 
ask questions. Dr. Bernhisel, who was on a visit from 
Philadelphia, arose and said : 

" T have heard it reported that Joseph taught, and 
introduced into the Church, a principle called plural, or 
celestial marriage. Is it true? If so, what is the nature 
of that principle?' 

"I answered, 'Joseph gave us a revelation on celes- 
tial marriage, and had Hyrum read it to the high council. 
Let the brethren of the high council who heard Hyrum 
read the revelation, hold up their hands.' Several hands 
were raised. I asked, 'Does that satisfy you that Joseph 
gave the revelation?' 'Yes,' 'Very good; now for the prin- 
ciple.' 

"We will suppose there are three young men, just 
starting out on the journey of life for themselves. They 
resolve that they will be farmers, as that is a labor with 

17 



250 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

which they are acquainted. One says, ^I am not going to 
rush things in the start; I want to enjoy life. I will put 
in ten acres of grain ; that will support me, and that's all 
I care for.' The second one says, 'I will put in twenty 
acres. I can care for that amount and not work very 
hard; and I want to forge ahead a little.' The third one 
says, 'Boys, I want to make all that I can while I am 
young and strong. I am going to plant forty acres.' 

"Now, we will suppose that they keep up their fences, 
and properly care for the crops. When the harvest comes, 
which man receives the greatest reward? You will all 
answer, 'The man who planted the forty acres.' And Jo- 
seph has told us, 'There is a decree eternal, that men shall 
be rewarded according to their works.' " 

I never forgot that story ; and one year from that 
day I married Lydia Knight, daughter of Newell Knight, 
who was a life-long trusted friend of the Prophet Joseph 
Smith. 

Lydia was a bright, cheery spirit, and I was proud 
of her. But in some respects she was the very opposite of 
Albina. I soon found that it required more wisdom and 
patience to direct the activities of two wives than it did 
to direct one. Lydia was strong and firm in her spiritual 
convictions and impressions, active and persistent in 
character. She became an earnest Church worker in the 
Relief Society and Primary Association. 

For seven years we lived and worked in the Order- 
ville United Order. Lydia had charge of the millinery 
department, and she put whole souled effort into the work 
entrusted to her. The members of the Orderville Ward 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 251 

entered into that communal association, believing it to be 
a sacred duty to do so. We came together as strangers, 
each handicapped with individual weaknesses, but all im- 
bued with an earnest desire to overcome them. The very 
fact that 'Sve had all things common" tended to banish 
selfishness, and helped us to "love our neighbor as our- 
selves;" and it is a fact we became deeply attached to 
one another. 

At the commencement of this social experiment. 
President Young said to us : ''If, at any time, you run up 
against a problem you don't know how to handle, come 
to me, and I will give you counsel;" and while he lived, 
we looked to him, and he never failed us. 

Soon after his death, however, a question arose 
w^hich we were divided upon. The Board of Directors 
sent me to wSalt Lake City to lay the matter before Presi- 
dent Taylor, and solicit his counsel. There were several 
brethren in the office when I stated the case to him. He 
listened patiently, then arose from his chair, shrugged his 
shoulders in a way peculiar to himself, and said : 

""Brethren, I must tell you a little stor}^ A few 
years ago, Horace S. Eldredge, while acting as our emi- 
gration agent, was down in Missouri buying cattle for our 
emigrants. Happening toward the close of the day to be 
in a part of the country that was once owned by the 
Saints — and from which they were driven by mobs — he 
was curious to know if any of our people were still liv- 
ing there. Seeing a young man chopping wood, he asked 
him if there were any Mormons living in the neighbor- 
hood. The boy replied, 'Well, dad used to be one of those 



252 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

kind of fellows, but he ain't doing much at it now days.' " 

I returned to Orderville, and withdrew from the as- 
sociation, g-ivinsT as a reason, ''If .the President of the 
Church does not approve of our labors, I am not willing 
to continue the experiment." 

My withdrawal gave pain to some of my dearest 
friends, and was a source of deep sorrow to Lydia. She 
felt that we were under obligation by the sacred covenant 
of baptism (for we were all baptized into the Order) to 
consecrate our lives to help bring about, and establish a 
social system in which there should be "no rich and no 
poor;" that we could, and should give our hearts to God, 
and love our neighbors as ourselves. 

However, the later dissolution of the Order by the 
counsel of Apostle Erastus Snow, brought Lydia back to 
us, and made unity once more in my family, for which I 
was truly thankful. 

During the period of which I am writing, a wave of 
brutal terrorism flowing from the evils of the civil war, 
had inundated the southern states, "compehing the best 
blood of the south" to organize the "Ku Klux Klan" for 
self preservation. A ripple of a similar official tyranny 
later reached and enveloped the Mormon people. In order 
to enforce the laws enacted for the suppressiou of po- 
lygamy, our fair land was filled with "spotters, spies and 
deputy marshals" and it is not strange that the govern- 
ment in clothing with new powers so many men of low 
order of morals, for only characters of that class could be 
induced to trail honorable men and women for hire, should 
have some officials who were cruel and unscrupulous. A 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 253 

case in point was enacted when Edward Dalton of Paro- 
wan was cowardly and maliciously shot and killed, be- 
cause he was a polygamist. That act stirred up bitter 
feeling- in my heart. Going to Salt Lake City I consulted 
with my father who advised me to go to Mexico. I next 
consulted with my wives. Albina dreaded moving, and 
begged me to let her remain in the home at Loa, not how- 
ever through unkind feeling toward me, or the other 
families. On the contrary, she urged me to take them, 
and go where I could live in peace with them. 

Accordingly I sold my farm, arranging so that Al- 
bina could purchase it, and thus secure the home to her- 
self. I then took Lydia and Tamar, with their families, 
and departed for Mexico. I had one four-horse team, 
two two-horse teams, and fifteen head of cows. Bishop 
Joseph H. Wright, and my son-in-law, H. T. Stolworthy, 
each with a team, and a plural family, accompanied me. 

We left Huntington, keeping the main-traveled road 
for Green River, until we reached the Iron Springs. Then, 
fearing that we should be arrested at Blake, we turned, 
crossing the San Rafael desert to Hanksville. We there- 
by came to a forty mile stretch without water, and while 
crossing that waterless sand waste we encountered the 
worst desert blizzard that I ever experienced. The sand 
drifted into the road so furiously that it was almost im- 
possible to move; and at the close of a hard day's labor, 
we had not made over four miles progress. 

Just at night a short, sharp hail storm swept over us. 
W^e camped, blanketed our horses, cuddled into our wag- 
ons, and rested the best we could. During the night it 



254 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

froze hard, which proved a blessing to us. The next morn- 
ing, at three o'clock, keeping the women and children in 
bed, we pulled out. The road was as hard and smooth as 
the floor of a house. For fifteen miles we sped merrily 
along ; then the sun's rays melted the frost, and the wagon 
wheels dropped into the sand five spokes deep. We rested 
during the day, and broke camp again at midnight; and 
by nine in the morning, reached Hanksville without any 
serious suffering. 

We struck the Colorado at the Dandy crossing, swam 
our cattle and horses, and ferried our wagons on a small 
boat, paying twenty dollars for the use of it. The journey 
to Mexico was long, tedious and expensive, but we were 
happy, for we had escaped imprisonment. 

Upon reaching Mexico, I bought fifteen acres of 
land, (it is now a part of the city of Dublan) and made 
a home on it for Lydia; then moved Tamar to Pacheco. 

Soon after that I lost my arm in an accident, and 
was made a cripple for life. I felt that with only one hand 
I could not successfully compete with Mexican laBor, and 
as the Manifesto had been issued, giving promise that 
those already in plural marriage should not be disturbed, 
I resolved to return to my native land. 

Lydia, believing that bitterness and violence would 
continue to follow us in the United States, chose to re- 
main in Mexico. I deeded to her the little farm ; then with 
Tamar I returned to the United States. I now realize 
that I did wrong in leaving Lydia without a husband's 
help when she most needed it in caring for her young 
family. By nature she was proud spirited, and ambitious 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 255 

to appear well. She therefore toiled beyond her strength, 
which hastened her to an early grave. She died May 8, 
1905, at Dublan, Mexico, In closing, I can affirm, 
conscientiously, that Lydia died a martyr for the Gospel. 
She was a noble woman — and under favorable conditions 
would have been a leader in Church activities. A love 
of the Gospel was born with her. And many of her sor- 
rows are traceable to her zeal in spiritual matters. • 

I cannot remember that there were ever disputations, 
or unkind jealous feelings among my wives; they ever 
sustained and loved one another. But Lydia and I dif- 
fered in our interpretation of the Manifesto. She believed 
it required a severance of marriage covenants between the 
husband and the plural wife, while I held that it only 
bound the Latter-day Saints not to enter into new, addi- 
tional plural marriages, that former plural marriages re- 
mained undissolved, and were sacred. On that rock we 
parted. She remained in Mexico, while I returned to the 
United States. 

In my heart, I have always felt that the Father 
blessed me with a noble family. I loved them ; and I be- 
lieved in my soul what President Young said about the 
young man who planted forty acres of grain. I tried to 
lay a foundation for growth and expansion in the King- 
dom of God. I may have over-taxed my strength and 
ability, and through lack of knowledge, may not have 
cared wisely for the field I sowed, but I firmly believe that 
when the day of recompense comes the Lord of the vine- 
yard will confirm to me the family relations I gave my 
best years' dearest efforts to build up. 



CHAPTER 30. 

In Memory of My Wife, Tamar. 

More than four thousand years ago the Lord said to 
the children of Israel, "Honor thy father and thy mother," 
and thou shalt inherit a blessing; and today, among 
Christian or heathen nations, the child that gives love and 
obedience to its parents is in return loved and honored by 
his fellow men. 

In 1869, I was laboring in President Young's cotton 
factory at Washington, Utah. Joseph Burch, the super- 
intendent, sent me with a four-horse team loaded with 
factory goods, to Beaver, with orders to exchange the 
goods for wheat. I was to store the wheat in the Beaver 
grist mill, then come home with a load of flour. 

One day, when working at the Beaver grist mill, I 
received a note from Sister Black, stating that her 
daughter Tamar wished to go back with me to Washing- 
ton to see her father, who was then running the Washing- 
ton grist mill. I declined to take her for the reason that 
it was stormy weather, and that I was heavily loaded. 

The next day Sister Black came to see me. She told 
me her daughter had an offer of marriage from a man 
of wealth, the owner of a good home. It looked, from a 
worldly point of view, like a splendid offer; but the girl 
doubted the man's profession of faith in the Gospel, and 
she wanted to counsel with her father. I told the sister 




TAMAR J. BLACK YOUNG 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 257 

that without doubt the trip would be muddy and disagree- 
able, but if the daughter could put up with the incon- 
venience, she was welcome to go. She went. We were 
eight days wallowing through the mire and snow. 

Tamar was young and bashful, thinly clad, and I 
know she suffered from the cold, but she did not murmur, 
for she was going to see her father. Her appreciation of 
his counsel w^as supreme. Her devotion and loyalty to 
her father made her companionship sweet to me. 

When I was a boy of sixteen I received my endow- 
ments in the old council house. President Heber C. Kim- 
ball made the most impressive talk on virtue and chastity 
that I have ever heard, and purity became, in my mind, 
an ideal more precious than gold or silver. It was my 
practice of this ideal that led to the winning of Tamar's 
love, and that gave me unreservedly her father's bless- 
ing. 

A few days after returning from Beaver, I walked 
with Brother Black over to St. George, seven miles, to 
attend a priesthood meeting. On the way, I asked him 
what answer Tamar had given the man who wished to 
marry her. He replied, "1 advised her to decline his of- 
fer, and she did it." As events turned out, our trip proved 
providential. Eight days of companionship under such 
trying circumstances could not fail to awaken a mutual ad- 
miration. I too discovered in Tamar a high and lovable 
type of womanhood, a type that no outward vicissitude of 
life would daunt or weaken. Perhaps her first apprecia- 
tion of me was in the nature of perfect trust, and indeed 
her virtue had been as sacred with me along this lonely 



258 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

road as it would have been with her father or mother. 

Fift}^ years ago, we of Utah had no railroads, nor 
automobiles, and not even brakes on our wagons. I got 
my Brother Joseph W.'s big mules, loaded up with cot- 
ton yarn, then with Albina and her children, and Tamar, 
I hiked to Salt Lake to be married. As we got into, the 
wagon Father Black put his arms around Tamar, and said, 
"My daughter, you are going to marry into a large fam- 
ily. Many trials will come to you ; and I want you to re- 
member, 'It is better to suffer wrong, than to do wrong.' " 
This was splendid counsel, and the daughter never for- 
got it. The following incident illustrates Tamar's pres- 
ence of mind in sudden danger. 

As I remember, about fifteen miles north of Beaver, 
we went down a long, serpentine hill. Rains had washed 
the old road into a deep gully. The new track above it 
was sidling and very rocky. In the front end of our wag- 
on was a mess box, the lid being level with the top of the 
wagon bed. A sheepskin on this box formed my seat. 
As we reached the top of the hill, the wagon began to 
crowd the mules. I stopped to get out to lock the wheel 
with the chain fastened to the side of the wagon bed. As 
the team stopped, the ring in the neckyoke broke, letting 
the tongue down. The mules sprang forward with 
fright, -and would have jerked me off the wag-on; but 
Tamar, quick as a flash, placed her knees against the mess 
box, clasped her arms around my body and held me firm ; 
while I, with a grip of iron, held the wagon bunt against 
the mules. Down the hill we went like a whirlwind, the 
end of the wagon tongue, in front of the mules, sending 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 259 

the cobble rock flying in every direction. On reaching 
the level flat, I succeeded in stopping- the outfit, and no 
injury was done, save the shock of fright tha't we all re- 
ceived. 

In 1856, in the Seaman's Bethel in Honolulu, I heard 
an anti-Mormon lecturer tell an audience that they could 
readily recognize the ^'polygamous children," for "they 
were born imbecile pigmies." No slander against my peo- 
ple could be fouler than this one. Utah's foremost citi- 
zens today are of polygamous lineage. Tamar was her- 
self, a splendid refutation of this slander. Tamar's 
mother was a plural wife, and Tamar measured five feet 
eight inches in height, and weighed one hundred forty- 
five pounds. In disposition she was quiet and cheerful, 
yet in danger was quick and heroic. Here is a notable in- 
stance : 

After I had lost my arm, in coming back from Mexi- 
co, while I was still feeble, when crossing the New Mexico 
desert,, the Navajos were unfriendly. At Captain Toms 
Wash, they started in to rob us. A big buck, after mak- 
ing an inflammatory speech, sprang upon the wagon hub, 
caught hold of a sack of provisions to lift it from the 
wagon. As quick as a flash, Tamar struck him across 
the nose with a stick of wood. The blood spurted from 
both nostrils, and the brave, dropping the sack, got off the 
wheel quicker than he got on. For a moment my heart 
ceased to beat, for I expected trouble; but the warriors 
who witnessed the act, roared with laughter, and I soon 
saw that they were amused at the defeat, by a "squaw," 
of their windy-mouthed captain. 



260 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

But it was in the home circle where she shone with 
the greatest brilHancy; not with a meteoric flare, rather 
with the continual glow of the summer's sunshine. Per- 
haps the darkest hour of my life was when I lost my arm, 
and fell penniless among strangers. But Tamar with a 
smiling face, nursed the mutilated man, and at the same 
time whirled the wheel of the washing machine ; thus win- 
ning the bread that kept the breath of life in us. Tamar 
calmly and bravely met the responsibilities of married life, 
grateful for the gift of motherhood, and willing to sacri- 
fice her own life, if need were, in order to give life to 
others. She believed and practiced the principle that ''it 
is more blessed to give than to receive." I never was 
so weary or discouraged that her words would not rest 
and cheer me. She being younger than I by fifteen years, 
T fondly anticipated that my last hours would be com- 
forted by her ministration. 

I often hear the remark that "we never miss the 
water till the well goes dry," and that "we do not appre- 
ciate the loved ones until they are taken from us." Pos- 
sibly I did not fully value the wealth I possessed in my 
family, but I always said — and it came from my heart — 
that God had blessed me with noble wives ; that I became 
a better man through obeying the principle of plural mar- 
riage than I ever should have been' without it. Joseph 
Smith was a prophet of God, and no other principle taught 
by him would have done as much for the uplift of the 
human family, on the plane of purity and righteousness. 
The men and women who practiced that principle were 
not sensual sinners, but they were strong, clean souls, 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 261 

willing to suffer, and die if need were, for the right as they 
saw the right. 

I have partaken of the hospitality of the common 
people in England and in the United States. I have 
witnessed the love and happiness that abide in the 
Christian homes of these Christian nations; but never 
have I seen more perfect trust, confidence, and love with- 
out guile, than I have witnessed in some of the plural 
families of the Latter-day Saints. Take for instance the 
father who will give to his beloved daughter, as a part- 
ing benediction, 'Tt is better to suffer wrong than to do 
wrong," and ''it is more blessed to give than to receive," 
and you have a revelation of a clean heart, and a pure 
spirit. 

It may not be possible for mortal man to teach truths 
as sublime as did the Christ, but if it be true that ''from 
the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh," then 
that father possessed a pure heart, certainly the daughter 
to whom the precious admonition was given was a 
worthy child; and the diligent practice of those celestial 
ideals made Tamar B. Young a lovable mother and a 
peerless wife. 

In conclusion, I will say that each of those three 
wives bore me seven children, making in all seventeen 
sons and four daughters. They were all strong and 
healthy children; not a weakling among them. More- 
over they have all made honorable and virtuous men 
and women. 

One of my sons, upon learning of the death of his 
mother, wrote: 



262 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

*^0h, how thankful I am for my parentage; for 
the noble souls who gave me life! How I love them for 
the clean, uncontaminated body with which they blessed 
my spirit. No loathsome disease fastened to it, no crav- 
ing for liquor and tobacco, as an hereditary hindrance to 
my progress. Oh, those noble women! Their crowns 
will be as bright, and will shine with a splendor equal to 
th/at of the Prince at whose side they walked unflinch- 
ingly through life, turning their sorrows into joy. Again, 
how thankful I am for my noble parentage!" And I 
add : 

I am proud of my children, and they are proud of 
me; 

When the reaping comes, what will my harvest be? 

In the three chapters preceding this, I gave the best 
statement of motives and experiences of my life as it 
passed in rain and sunshine, with the three noble wives 
who shared my joys and sorrows. There is one other 
wife, who has claim as valid and sacred as the ones that 
I have so warmly eulogized. The reason that a chapter 
is not given to her memory is a sad one. 

On the 10th of October, 1878, I married in the Salt 
Lake Temple, Catherine Coles, to me a sweet, chaste 
girl. 

On the 27th day of November, 1879, she gave her 
life, in giving birth to a sweet baby girl. By her request 
the babe was named Mary Ellen, and with my consent she 
was adopted by Aunt Ellen Young, who cuddled her to 
her breast and held her there until the child grew to 
womanhood and found a pleasant nest of her own. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 263 

In that child's veins flows the blood of a Young. 
She came honestly and virtuously by that heritage. 

The woman does not exist, either dead or alive, who 
can say that I ever invited her to commit sin. 

My wives were g'iven to me in sacred places, by 
those who had authority to seal on earth, and it was 
sealed in heaven, and if I can be pure to the end, those 
ties will be eternal. 



APPENDIX 



Stories and Rhymes 



18 



CHAPTER 31. 

Twenty-fourth of July Musings, Sent to President Joseph F. 
Smith. — Twenty-fourth of July Toast, — Utah — Thrilling- 
Eruption of Kilauea. 

Sitting 'neath the pines, in the cold mountain air, 
Inhaling the inspiration of the chaplain's prayer; 
Breathing the spirit of the orator's theme, 
Memory sweeps backward o'er the troubled stream 
Of my people's lives. 

Wild, .vivid scenes of frontier life burst like a meteor 
on the mind. I see the broad prairie lands of our dear 
Far West, with a hundred new-built, New England 
fashioned cottages. I hear the ring of the workman's 
ax, and the noisy laughter of many children, — the evi- 
dence of virtuous, happy homes. But the scene changes. 

A cloud of dust rises on the horizon, and soon the 
tramping and neighing of a thousand horses is heard. 
And the cohorts of Clark's mob militia burst into- view. 
They encircle the village, kindle their camp fires, and 
place their sentinels. Then commences a raid of pil- 
lage and rapine. . 

Homes are plundered, cows shot down, maidens in- 
sulted. Our leading Elders are treacherously arrested 
and driven at the point of the bayonet, with demoniac 
yells, into their camp. A court martial is convened. A 
sentence of death is passed upon the captives — "General 



268 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

Doniphan was to have the honor of shooting them at sun- 
rise the next morning," for they, like the Hebrew chil- 
dren of old, must die for worshiping Israel's God. But 
when General Doniphan looked into the faces of those 
youthful, noble-looking men, his heart was touched, and 
the unjust, cruel sentence was never carried out. 

Then followed a less severe, yet heart-rending scene. 
On the morrow, the prisoners were allowed to take a 
silent parting with their wives, children and parents; 
with the added solemn warning that they would never 
see them again. One clasp of the hand, and a tender 
look into the eyes of the loved ones, and they were torn 
away; and like murderous criminals, they were chained 
together, and driven to ''Liberty." Not to Freedom, 
but to a dungeon, while their unprotected families were 
driven from their homes, to wander in the cold, biting 
blasts of winter. 

While fleeing from the state of Missouri, among 
the fleeing exiles I see a woman of majestic appearance. 
Her firm step and compressed lips denote great will 
power; while the calm expression of the countenance 
evidences faith and trust in God. In her arms nestles 
a two weeks' old baby boy, born since the silent parting 
with her treacherously arrested husband. That woman 
was Mary Fielding Smith! That baby boy was our be- 
loved president, Joseph Fielding Smith! Could we fol- 
low that mother and child, and their suffering compan- 
ions, in their winter flight from Missouri to Illinois, and 
from Nauvoo to Salt Lake Valley; through the perils 
of mob violence — the burning of homes, the exposure 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 269 

to pitiless storms, the crossing of mighty rivers on treach- 
erous ice, the traversing of unexplored deserts without" 
guides, the bridging of long periods with little food — it 
would make a story of sacrifice and suffering, of perse- 
verance, and thrilling adventure unparalleled in the his- 
tory of civilized life. 

All these trials our fathers and mothers passed he- 
roically through, marking the pioneer trail with the unlet- 
tered graves of their bravest and dearest loved ones. The 
hands that first scourged them never left their trail, nor 
ceased applying the fire-brand to their homes and the 
lash to their naked backs, until the hunted fugitives, 
with a courage born of despair, (yet mixed with unyield- 
ing faith), crossed the Mississippi and plunged fearlessly 
into the unknown west. And as the hunted deer, with 
beating heart, flees long after the hounds have given up 
the chase, so these nationally banished exiles followed 
their intrepid leaders on, on, and still on, until the glisten- 
ing sands of the "inland sea" greeted them. Oh, how 
they loved the rugged mountains, and the deep chasm- 
scarred canyons that surrounded them, and shielded 
them from their foes! No mobbings, no house burnings, 
no tar and feathering here ; but peace and freedom, blessed 
freedom. 

Salt Lake City, Utah, 
July 31, 1918. 
Elder John R. Young, 
Blanding, Utah. 

My Dear Brother John : It was with a great deal of 



270 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

pleasure that I read your letter which was written from 
Blanding on the 4th of the present month and reached me 
on the 11th, and which contained so many reminiscences 
of our earlier days and recalled old memories and scenes 
of my childhood and early youth. 

I did not attempt to make any answer to your letter 
before this because I have been for a long time under the 
weather and have neglected a great many matters which 
did not require immediate attention. While I have been 
confined to a very great extent to my room, I have had 
a great deal of time to devote to reflection and musing 
over earlier scenes and missionary experiences of my 
younger days. Your letter brought back very vividly the 
days of our missionary labors in the islands, where I was 
sent when only a boy, inexperienced in many things, and 
yet, through force of circumstances caused by the loss of 
both father and mother whose counsels I very sorely need- 
ed, with a training beyond my years caused by contact 
with hard necessity in those early pioneer days in a new 
country where but a few years before scarcely a white 
man had placed his foot. I recalled my travels across the 
desert and our journeyings to southern California and 
from there up to San Francisco; the dangers through 
which we passed because of hostile bands of Indians ; la- 
boring in California in order to get means to make the 
passage over the ocean to the appointed field of labor 
and the difficulties encountered after arriving there. I 
recalled the promises made to me by Brother Parley P. 
Pratt that I should receive the knowledge of th? native 
language by the gift of God, and how it was fulfilled. I 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 271 

thought of the arrival of our boat and when the natives 
surrounded us as they came out in the harbor talking 
what appeared to me as an unintelligible gibberish, how 
it would be possible for me, or any one else, to learn to 
speak such a language and preach the Gospel to them in 
such a tongue. But the Lord blessed me and it was not 
many days before I was able to converse in the Hawaiian 
language and preach in my missionary journeyings among 
that dark, benighted but kind hearted people. I recalled 
not only the companionship of my friends, John R. Young, 
Silas Smith, my kinsman, Smith B. Thurston, Washing- 
ton B. Rodgers, William W. Cluff, Francis A. Hammond 
and many others, but the many dark skinned natives 
whose friendship and brotherly love could not be sur- 
passed. How my love went out to them! For are they 
not also the children of God, and of the seed of Abraham 
with a right to the promises made by the Lord to Israel ? 
And did they not prove to us their worthiness and in- 
tegrity even though they had not been taught and trained 
as we and were filled with the superstitions of their peo- 
ple which had come down for many generations. 

And farther back to the days of my childhood in these 
valleys, my reflections carried me, to the time when as a 
herd boy I tended my mother's cows and those of others 
in this Salt Lake Valley where many prosperous farms 
are now located, to my early school days which were 
sadly limited because of necessity and then my early de- 
parture for the Islands of the Sea. 

Yet farther back I went in my wandering to the days 



272 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

of Nauvoo where for so short a time the Saints were 
happy and I played, amused myself in the hom.e of the 
Prophet and with his sons as well as in my father's house. 
Well do I remember the return of my father with the 
Prophet, after they had crossed the river and had started 
on their journey west, because the false cry was raised 
that they were deserting the flock and how they went to 
Carthage never' again to return in mortal life, cut down 
because of the testimony of Jesus in the prime of life and 
sealing their testimonies with their blood. Then followed 
the feverish days in which the Saints continued the labor 
on the Nauvoo Temple until it was complete and endow- 
ments were given therein and the wicked expulsion of 
thousands of innocent people from their homes. I recall the 
departure of the first companies over the frozen river on 
the ice in the depths of winter and how, shortly after- 
wards my mother and her family were forced also to take 
their departure in poverty and wend their way westward 
with the rest. My Brother John had gone at an earlier 
day and we overtook him on the journey. Then came the 
struggle on the banks of the Mississippi where we tried 
to save means to continue the journey to the valleys of 
the mountains and my employment as herdboy while we 
there sojourned. It was here that I had one of the most 
thrilling and exciting adventures of my life when the In- 
dians made a raid on our cattle and, although but a child, 
I remember how the thought came to me that if our cattle 
were taken our journey to the Salt Lake Valley could not 
be taken. With more than human effort — for I know 
the Lord was with me — I turned the cattle and started 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 273 

them for home where they escaped although I was taken 
captive by the savage redmen, but considered so insignifi- 
cant that they dropped me on the ground where I was left 
to survive or perish as chance it may and the horse on 
w^hich I rode was stolen. Then came the journeying across 
the plains and after many difficulties the arrival in the 
valley — the promised land — where we were promised rest 
at least from enemies thirsting for our blood. We moved 
out on the Mill Creek and started to farm, but before 
many years had passed away my beloved mother was 
called home and I was sent out when but fifteen years 
of age to perform a man's duty in the world — a duty that 
was not, however, new to me — for had I not done the like 
when we crossed the plains ? 

All these thoughts and a thousand more have coursed 
through my mind, and I have reflected on many scenes 
of the days of Missouri, when I was too young to remem- 
ber the persecutions of the Saints, and on scenes of more 
recent years, not all of which have been sad, for there 
have been many bright days in the years that have fol- 
lowed and companionships that have been formed that 
shall be everlasting. And I remember my old friends, 
many of whom are now laboring in the great beyond and 
a few who are still left and scattered throughout Zion. 
And among these friends I recall my beloved brother and 
true friend John R. Young. .May his days be increased 
and made happy in his declining years, and may we all 
meet in the Kingdom of our God when our work is done, 
there to dwell in joy and happiness forever. This is the 



274 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

prayer of your friend and brother, who greets you in 
love and remembrance of former days. 
Respectfully yours, 

Joseph F. Smith. 

IN MEMORY OF PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH. 
By John R. Young. 

I thank the Mutual Improvement Association of 
Blanding for the invitation to speak a few words in mem- 
ory of my boyhood's friend, Joseph F. Smith. I shall 
not attempt to speak of the activities of his matured life, 
his splendid manhood and noble, spotless character. It 
has been well told by his bosom friend. Bishop Charles 
W. .Nibley. 

It was my lot, however, to know Joseph in his boy- 
hood. I was with him on his first mission in 1854. We 
were numbered with the twenty young Elders called to 
the Sandw^ich Islands. Joseph was the youngest, (when 
called he was in his fifteenth year) of the company, but 
of the thirty men who crossed the desert to southern 
California together, there were but five who were believed 
to be his equals in athletic exercises. 

As I am limited to time, I shall speak only of the 
most marked events, delineating his character when a boy. 
Upon reaching San Francisco, President Parley P. Pratt 
gave Joseph, William W. Cluff and myself a mission to 
tract the city. At the close of the first day's tracting 
Joseph asked to be released. He said, 'T can not offer 
a Book of Mormon without having to listen to a burst 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 275 

of blasphemy and a tirade of falsehood and abuse to my 
Uncle Joseph, and I cannot be peaceable and hear it." 
He was released from tracting. 

At that time he was lodging at the home of his Aunt 
Agnes. She was the wife of his Uncle Don Carlos Smith, 
who died at Nauvoo. After his death she married a 
man by the name of William Pickett, a man whose heart 
was full of bitterness toward President Brigham Young 
and the Utah Mormons, and he seemed to delight in slur- 
ring them to annoy Joseph. Pickett's home was on a 
sandy hillside. One day a man came with a load of 
wood. In passing through the gate the hind wheels slid 
down so the hub struck the gate post. Mr. Pickett asked 
Joseph and the teamster to lift the upper wheel, while he 
would lift the lower one and slough the wagon back. 
The upper wheel was lifted, but the lower one was too 
heav}^ Joseph proposed that he try the lower one. Pickett 
replied, "Young man, if you think you are a better man 
than I, take hold, and maybe you'll learn something." 
The wagon passed in, and when the man had unloaded 
and was gone, Joseph faced his uncle and said, ''Uncle, 
you seem to enjoy making slurring remarks about Brig- 
ham Young and the Utah Mormons. I wish you would 
not do so any more in my presence, and Mr. Pickett re- 
membered the request. 

After working two months in the harvest field to 
earn his passage money, Joseph with other elders, sailed 
steerage passage, on the bark Yankee, for the islands. 
As soon as the ship was clear from the wharf, the pas- 
sengers were lined up on the deck and their names read 



276 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

off to see if there were any stowaways. When the purser 
called, ''Joseph Smith" the captain asked, ''Any relation 
to old Joe Smith?" "No, sir," was the prompt answer, 
"1 never had a relative by that name; but if you had 
reference to the Prophet Joseph Smith, I am proud to say, 
he was my uncle." "Oh, I see," said the captain, and he did 
see a man who had the nerve and manhood to demand 
that proper respect be shown to the name of the Prophet, 
whom he loved and honored. 

Within one hundred days after landing on the 
islands, he was preaching the Gospel of the Lord Jesus 
Christ in the Hawaiian language. After six months' la- 
bor on Maui, he was called to be the President of the 
Molokai Island Conference. Here he made the acquaint- 
ance and won the friendship of a wealthy gentleman by 
the name of Meyers. Stopping, by invitation, a few days 
with him, he met Jules Remy, a French savant and author, 
w^ho was making a circuit of the world. With six com- 
panions he visited the wild wonderland of Molokai, the 
Reverend Mr. Dwight, Presbyterian pastor of the islands, 
acting as guide and interpreter. While all were seated 
around the supper table, Mr. Remy asked Joseph if the 
ji"eport was true "that the Mormon people were in re- 
bellion against the United States?" Before Joseph could 
reply, the parson chipped in, "Yes, Brigham Young has 
always been a traitor, and now he has not only rebelled, 
but he has ordered his people to massacre all the Gentiles 
in the Territory. Already they have murdered over a 
hundred innocent men, women and children at a place 
called Mountain Meadows." Joseph sprang from his 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 277 

chair, and seizing Mr. Dwig'ht by his collar, lifted him to 
his feet and said, ''Brigham Young is not a traitor, the 
Mormon people are not in rebellion, but you are a liar, 
and you will take back what you have said, or I will 
drive your teeth down your throat." Mr. Remy acted the 
man and came to Joseph's assistance by affirming the 
question was to Mr. Smith, and that Mr. Dwight was 
out of place, and that he should apologize, which he did, 
and from that time on there was at least one Mormon 
elder that Mr. Dwight treated with respect. 

In relating these incidents where Joseph resented 
insults and untruthful accusations, I do not want any one 
to infer that he was of a quarrelsome disposition, for he 
was not. In all of my acquaintance with him, I never 
knew him to be the aggressor nor to be tantalizing in the 
least degree, but he was plain and positive. To me, from 
a boy, he lived in harmony with the Spirit of God, and 
I have good reason for believing that his father and his 
Uncle Joseph watched over him continuously, and when 
Joseph was nigh to death with typhoid fever at Presi- 
dent Hammond's on the island of Maui, I feel sure that 
those two exalted brothers, walking hand in hand, visited 
and ministered unto him, whereby his life was preserved 
and he was enabled to complete his earth life mission, 
leaving on record a testimony of one of the purest lives 
ever lived by man. 

Bishop Nibley told of a railroad incident where 
Joseph, by listening to an invincible warning, was kept 
out of danger. I want to recall the scene at Lahaina. In 
1864 Apostles Ezra T. Benson, Lorenzo Snow, and El- 



278 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

ders Joseph F. Smith, WilHam W. Cluff and Alma L. 
Smith were sent to the islands to put a stop to Walter 
M. Gibsoji's mischief making among the Hawaiian 
Saints. When the ship reached Lahaina, (an unsafe 
harbor) the incoming wave swells were so heavy that 
the ship had to anchor nearly a mile from the land. In 
going ashore the captain invited the elders to ride with 
him in his boat, but Joseph declined, he was so strongly 
impressed with a feeHng of danger that he pleaded with 
his brethren to wait until the native boats should come ; but 
the brethren were anxious to be ashore and went. The 
result, the boat was capsized and Apostle Snow was 
drowned, and it was a miracle that he was resuscitated 
and his life saved. 

In the early days of the Hawaiian mission our elders 
met with much opposition and with several severe mob- 
bings. At one time in Honolulu, a crowd of ruffians mob- 
bed the aged President, Philip B. Lewis. The harmless old 
man was knocked down and dragged by the heels, his head 
bumping on the cobble rock pavement until the ruffians 
thought he was dead; then they flung him into the gut- 
ter, while they went to a saloon to celebrate the achieve- 
ment. A carpenter, a new convert to the faith by the 
name of Burnham, from the roof of a house that he was 
shingling, saw the last brutal act of the mob and gave 
the leader a severe thrashing. He whipped the brute 
so thoroughly that it put an end to the mobbing in Hono- 
lulu. The manly fight put up by Burnham endeared him 
to us, and when we returned to the islands in 1864 we 
found that Brother Burnham had died leaving the fam- 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 279 

ily, (Sister Burnham and three children) in poverty, 
homeless. After the Apostles had cut Mr. Gibson off 
the Church, Joseph was appointed President of the mis- 
sion. With the assistance of Elders William W. Cluff, 
Alma L. Smith, Benjamin Cluff and John R. Young, all 
the islands were visited and the branches reorganized ; 
then Joseph F. Smith, William W. Cluff and John R. 
Young were released to return home. At that time it 
cost $108.00 for a ticket from San Francisco to Salt 
Lake. President Young sent the money necessary to 
pay our passage home, but Joseph said, "I will not go 
and leave Sister Burnham. It was finally decided to go 
the southern route as our money would take us to 
San Bernardino; from there we could in all probabihty, 
work our way home as teamsters, while Sister Burnham 
could find a home with the Saints of that place. 

For a change we sailed for home cabin passage. 
Upon arrival at San Francisco we found a telegram 
awaiting Joseph, requesting him to come home as soon 
as possible. Bear in mind Joseph was an elder, and a 
financially poor one at that, as his whole life had been in 
the mission field and he was the last man on earth to ask 
for help. What could we do ? In council it was thought 
best for Joseph and William to go by stage, while I with 
the Burnham family would go by San Bernardino. And 
now comes the tempter. There were living in San 
Francisco quite a number of relatives by marriage to the 
Smith family, and some of them were wealthy. They 
held a family reunion and invited Joseph to attend. He 
asked me to accompany him, which I did. We met them 



280 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

at Mr. 's; some twenty. all told; six or eight strong, 

healthy looking men. A few stories were told, then the 
conversation drifted into personal experiences and present 
home cohditions. They pitied Joseph and offered to deed 
him a good home if he would cut loose from the ''Utah 
Mormons" and stay with them, his true friends. He de- 
clined, and said if they would excuse him he would bid 
them good nig-ht. All rose up, and then the storm broke. 
Their spokesman said in substance, "Joseph, we are dis- 
appointed in you ; we thought you were a Smith, but any 
man who will come and go at the command of Brigham 
Young, the man who connived at the murder of your 
father and Uncle Joseph, has not a drop of Smith's 
blood in his veins." Joseph: "Do I understand you to 
say that Brigham Young connived at the murder of the 
Prophet Joseph Smith?" "Yes, and I can prove the asser- 
tion." Then there leaped from Joseph's lips the strong- 
est expression that ever I heard come from them. "You 
are a damned infernal liar! Joseph Smith never had a 
truer friend than Brigham Young." To me, how grand 
he looked. He seemed to expand until he towered head 
and shoulders above his opponents. While their faces 
scowled with anger, yet like the tempest tossed waves of 
the ocean, whose fury had been spent at the foot of the 
boulder, they recede, leaving the beach cleaner and whiter 
than before the storm. 

How I loved that man's manliness; he not a Smith? 
The very tension of the rigid muscles proclaimed him 
the embodiment of the chivalrous Macks and Smiths. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 281 

Over forty years ago, while laboring as a missionary 
in the London Conference, I wrote in my journal : 

I knew Joseph F. Smith in life's rosy morn, 
When herding cows and hoeing corn; 
And though he worked early and late, 
Yet he never murmured at his fate, 
But smiled to think that his strong arm 
Brought wheat and corn to his mother's barn. 

His first mark made I remember well ; 

'Twas when he flogged Philander Bell. 

A champion then, for innocence and youth. 

As he is now for liberty and truth. 

If plain his speech, and strong in boyish strife, 

I doubt if he could mend the history of his life. 

The years of trial on Hawaii's land 

Were more than wiser heads would stand. 

Poi, paakia, poverty and shame 

Were all endured for the blessed Savior's name. 

The crime and faith, and ulcerated sores 

Opened to view, bleeding at every pore. 

Tried the metal, proved one's pride. 

Then was the day of choosing sides. 

Then was the hour to begin, and he 

Pulled off his coat and waded in 

We need not urge him to improve. 
He seeks, as Joseph did, light from above. 
And God has given strength to Hy rum's son. 
Speeding him on the race so well begun ; 
For unto him a charge is truly given 
19 



s 



282 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

To lead erring men from sin to heaven ; 
To realms of glory, where truth divine 
Enlightens life with joy sublime. 
But I will leave to pens abler than mine 
To paint the beauties of that heavenly clime. 

I choose to feast on more substantial food. 
One to be great, must first be truly good. 
The precious clouds that bless our vales with rain 
Descend from lofty peaks and kiss the plains, 
So God, Himself, in plainness said to man, 
"Blessed are the meek," "I am the great I Am," 
And while His voice. echoed from Sinai's peak. 
He talked with Moses, the meekest of the meek. 
Then look to Christ, and note the keywords given 
To lead men back to God aiid Heaven. 

Brother nobly and well thou hast begun, 
Now hold the fort until the victory's won, 
And when the smoke and din of war is past 
Your works and name on history's page shall last. 

And I feel in all my being that Joseph F. Smith held 
the fort and won the victory, giving him a seat with his 
Prophet Uncle and his martyred father in the mansions of 
our Heavenly Father. 

TWENTY-FOURTH OF JULY TOAST— "UTAH." 

O Utah, thou Switzerland of America, 

The home of many a Tell, 
For freedom's fires are burning bright, » 

In all thy mountain dells. 
Thou art the cradle, and the home 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 283 

Of freedom's struggling child; 
For here beneath thy mountain domes, 

Within thy canyons wild, 
A band of fleeing exiles 

Found first a ^'resting place" 
From persecution's bitter blast, 

That smote them in the face. 

. And Utah's pioneers who fled 

From Missouri's wrath and flames — 
Whose unshod feet so often bled. 

While creeping o'er the plains — 
Are grateful for the noble men 

Who stand as ''beacon lights," 
Who "sink or swim, in life or death ;" 

Stand up for equal rights. 
We love our country — north and south, 

Her plains, and mountain sod, 
We stand for "Freedom of the soul," 

"Our country and our God." 

KILAUEA ON THE WAR PATH. 

In 1856 and ',57, I was laboring as a missionary on 
the island of Hawaii, and during that time the volca:iO 
of Kilauea gave us an exhibition on a stupendous scale. 
In company with Elder Henry 'P. Richards, I went 
through the forest several miles and met the stream of 
lava that was running down the mountain, threatening 
to destroy the town of Hilo Here is an extract from 
my journal : 

We paused to contemplate the sublimity of this vi^^id 
scene. It was one calculated to interest the naturalise, 



284 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

and to please the eye of the poet. The wonderful imagi- 
nation of a Milton, or the great genius of a Byron could 
here find a theme on which their minds could feast. 

The lava had burst forth from its prison cell, in the 
bowels of the earth, on the south side of the mountain, 
some thirty miles above the town of Hilo, which is sit- 
uated at the head of a beautiful bay bearing the name of 
Byron. The close approximation of the town to the 
mountain rendered destruction almost certain. The 
mountain was covered with a dense growth of timber, and 
as the mighty stream of running lava drew near, the for- 
est seemed to catch an electric spark, and in the twink- 
ling of an eye, one sheet of flame burst forth, reaching 
from Pueo to Puna, about three miles in width. The 
startled Kanaka fled for his life, leaving his grass thatched 
home to the devastating fire. 

I stood, with my companion, upon a craggy peak 
overlooking the waters of Waikahalulu. Below us was 
a beautiful cascade, and over this the lava swept with 
astonishing rapidity. Oh, it was a grand sight — the burn- 
ing of the forest, the crackling and falling of the trees, 
the rushing of the lava, the hissing and spouting of the 
water, the clouds of steam and vapor, mingled with the 
shrieks and shouts of the natives ! 

I saw a man in his frenzy try to leap a boiling stream ; 
his foot slipped, and he fell. A cloud of vapor hid him 
from view, but an agonizing shriek told too well his fate. 

Our native guide refused to stay longer with us, but 
the increasing danger added to our excited fascination, and 
we declined to retreat. At this moment, the wind shifted, 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 285 

and a strong breeze from the south lifted the banks of 
smoke and steam, giving us a fair view of the town that 
nestled so lovingly on the green lawn at our feet. 

We could see groups of people laden with what they 
could carry, hurrying from their homes to places of 
greater safety. A few ships were anchored in the bay, 
a.nd between them and the shore, small boats were rapidly 
plying, evidently carrying the wealthier citizens to these 
prepared places of safety. 

^^^hile viewing this romantic picture, a low rumbling 
was heard. It grew louder and louder until it seemed 
the heavens were rent in twain, and the ground reeled 
and tottered beneath our feet. We fell prostrate to the 
earth, and held our breath, through fear. A thick cloud 
of vapor, or hot steam, swept over us, followed by the 
pattering sound of falling stones hurled from the crater by 
the power of her convulsive throes, but returning to the 
earth in obedience to the law of gravity. 

This shock had hardly passed, when the rain began to 
fall in torrents, but the flow of the volcano had spent its 
force. The fiery waves rolled back as if sorry for the 
destruction they had done, retaining for a moment their 
red glaring frown, then changed to a black, barren, chasm- 
scarred waste. Hilo was saved. 
Then there leaped forth, from man and maid, 

A song of joy and mirth; 
The most sedate could not be stayed. 

From thrilling notes of worth. 
It was a song of gratitude for home and lives preserved, 

.No sweeter gush of sympathy, by man was ever heard. 



CHAPTER 32. 

A Thrilling Experience on the Plains. — The Stampede. 

In 1863, I was living in southern Utah. It was be- 
heved the Mormon immigration would be unusually 
heavy that year ; hence great exertions were put forth by 
the people, to bring tlie season's gathering to a successful 
termination. Cooperation was the power which, under 
the wise guidance of Brigham Young, made it possible to 
build up a prosperous commonwealth in that isolated 
desert. 

Teams were raised in all -parts of the territory, or- 
ganized into companies of fifty wagons each, four yoke of 
cattle to each wagon, and placed under the care of expe- 
rienced men. These were sent to the Missouri river, four- 
teen hundred miles, to haul back the luggage of the immi- 
grants. The people were required to walk. 

Rules of government were established in each camp, 
and firmly carried out. No swearing was allowed; all 
assembled for prayers at the call of the chaplain, morn- 
ing and night ; usually at nine o'clock all retired for rest ; 
and at five all arose. These camps were practical training 
schools of great value. 

It fell to my lot to drive a team in Captain John R. 
Murdoch's train. Upon arriving at Omaha, I was selected 
to take charge of an independent company; people who 
had means to immigrate themselves to Utah. On the 8th 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 287 

of August, I commenced the task (mission, we called it, 
for we all served without pay) of leading these people, 
who were Scandinavians, from Omaha to Salt Lake City. 
When it is remembered that these people spoke a 
language that I did not understand; that they were not 
accustomed to driving teams ; that I had to teach them 
even how to yoke their cattle, and hitch on to their wag- 
ons, it will be easy to imagine the magnitude of the task 
I had undertaken. 

For the first week we made only from five to ten 
miles a day ; but at the end of two weeks, we could make 
twenty-five. At Wood River centre, the western line of 
civilization, and the last telegraph station, I received a 
dispatch from our immigration agent, Feramorz Little, 
telling me that the Sioux were on the war-path, and that 
we must be watchful or they would run off our cattle. 
As a word of encouragement, he added that Captain Pres- 
ton would overtake me in a few days, and would give me 
four mounted Utah men to aid me as scouts and night 
guard for my cattle. 

Thus cheered, I pushed boldly out into the hunting 
grounds of the Sioux. But day after day passed, and 
Captain Preston did not come. At last I reached Ash 
Hollow, where there was a stockade and five Utah men 
guarding supplies left by the down-going trains. Leaving 
early the next morning, we made a drive of twenty-five 
miles, across the big bend of the Platte. In the evening 
a squad of U. S. troops camped on the opposite side of 
the river, and helloed across to us to look out, for ''the 



288 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

devil was let loose" — meaning that "Sitting Bull" was 
on the war-path. 

In the morning they were gone, and when we brought 
up our cattle, one of our best oxen was missing. It be- 
longed to a Swede, who had only a light wagon and one 
yoke of oxen. Selecting a large cow from the herd, I 
yoked her in, and started the train in charge of the in- 
terpreter. I then circled the night herd-ground ; and being 
a good trailer, I soon found the track of the ox going back 
and caught him at Ash Hollow twenty-five miles from 
camp. 

Giving my horse a feed of grain, and taking lunch 
with the men, I started with the ox to overtake my train. 
The long, weary day went by, the sun was near setting, 
and I had just passed the night camp ground, I had left 
in the morning, when a small cloud of dust coming from 
the foothills attracted my attention. Just as I was en- 
tering a gorge, I drove the ox into the wash, then turned 
back up the hill, until I could see the dust again. 

With the aid of my telescope I made out four In- 
dians rapidly driving a herd of horses toward a patch of 
timber on the river. A careful inspection convinced me 
that the loose animals were American horses, and I soon 
recognized them as Captain Preston's. It now flashed 
through my mind why he had not overtaken us : The In- 
dians had stolen his horses and crippled his movements. 

Well, there I was, twenty miles from camp, alone, 
with no weapon but my revolver, and almost face to face 
W'ith the robbers who had stolen my friend's horses. I 
stood and watched until they reached the timber. Select- 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 289 

ing a large tree for a camping place, they threw down 
their traps, and three of them bunched the horses, while 
the fourth caught and hobbled them. Then they cut 
poles, and started down the river, evidently to catch fish 
for their supper. 

I saw that the arroya, that I was in, emptied into the 
river near their camp ; and knowing that the moon would 
not rise until a few minutes after dark, I instantly formed 
a plan, and wxnt to work to put it into execution. I was 
averse to shedding blood, having always been taught to 
avoid it except in self defense. I resolved, however, to 
recapture the horses, and then, if followed, I would fight. 

Leaving the ox, I moved cautiously down the ra- 
vine, and reached the mouth of it just as the gloom of 
night settled over the plain. The Indians had returned 
and built a large fire. One of them walked out and 
bunched the horses, and their movements attracted the 
attention of my mare. She threw up h^r head and 
started to neigh, but I gave the bit a jerk in time to check 
her. The movement, slight as it was, showed me how 
dangerous was the enterprise I had undertaken. 

The Indian soon returned to camp, and threw some 
more wood on the fire, which in the still night flamed 
high in air, rendering objects visible for some distance 
round, and greatly assisted miy movements. I felt that 
now was my time to act. Approaching carefully the 
outer circle of horses, and dropping my bridle reins, I 
moved quietly from horse to horse, cutting their hob- 
bles, then regaining my own horse, moved the band 



290 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

slowly until they found they were unfettered, when I 
leaped into my saddle, and started them on a run. 

The wild yell that rang out on the night air curdled 
my blood, and made my hair stand on end. For a mo- 
ment I Avas quite unnerved, but soon recovered, and 
lashed the horses at a wild rate across the plain. By 
the time I reached the ox the moon had risen, and it 
seemed as light as day. I drove the horses and the ox 
across the gully, and then wheeled back and stood in 
the darkness at the bottom of it, waiting for my pursuers. 

Soon the pattering of feet reached my ears ; and 
holding my breath until two dark forms came into view, 
I opened fire. The quick somersault, and rapid retreat 
convinced me that Mr. Indian had been twice surprised 
by the white man. Emptying my revolver to give the idea 
that there were several of us, I sent the stock hurrying 
toward my camp. The road was tolerably straight and 
free from hill and hollow, so I w^as not much afraid of 
being ambushed. Yet I was keenly alert, and the flut- 
tering of a bird or starting of a hare would rouse me. 

As several hours passed, however, without interrup- 
tion, I concluded that my shots had taken effect, at least 
so far as to discourage the Indians from following me. 
But I was suddenly aroused from this feeling of security 
by another danger I had not counted on. It was the low 
distant howl of a wolf. Soon an answer came, then an- 
other, and another. I smiled, for I had a contempt for 
the whole wolf tribe, believing them to be cunning and 
cruel, but cowardly. I turned the cylinder of my pistol 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 291 

to see if it was properly reloaded, and finding it all right, 
calmly awaited the gathering of the howling pack. 

With lolling tongues and fiery eyes they came gallop- 
ing up, falling into small groups, snapping, snarling, and 
fighting. I hesitated to shoot for fear the smell of blood 
would whet their ferocfious appetites. My/ 'hesitation 
ceased, however, as a large grey wolf trotted up to my 
side and crouched to spring at me. Instinctively I put 
a bullet through his shoulder and he fell backward with 
a yell. In an instant a score of hungry brutes sprang 
on to him, and tore him to pieces. 

At the same moment, a fresh pack came sweeping 
across the road in front, enclosing us in a circle. The 
frightened horses recoiled back upon me, and I began 
shooting right and left. One of the excited ponies sud- 
dently bolted from the herd, and ran wildly across the 
plain. Instantly every wolf joined in pursuit. For a 
moment, there was a rushing sound, which gradually 
died out in the distance, then I was left alone with my 
trembling ponies, and my heart wildly beating. 

At four a. m. I reached the camp in safety. The 
Danes had put the children to bed ; but the men and 
women were sitting around a fire in the centre of a corral 
formed by the wagons. When I rode up they greeted me 
with four hurrahs, and strong hands lifted me from my 
saddle and bore me triumphantly to the watch fire. 

When the joy had somewhat subsided,' I said: 
^'Brethren, that ox has traveled one hundred miles, and 
I have ridden seventy-five. These horses are Captain 



292 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

Preston's.* I took them from the Indians who had 
stolen them. Now, double the guards around the camp 
and cattle, put out your fire ; and let me sleep until sun- 
rise." 

It is strange how susceptible of impression the mind 
of man is. As the first glint of sunshine rested upon my 
face, I awoke. The camp was bustling with activity. 
The Danes, though naturally a slow, stolid people, yet 
when aroused to enthusiasm are like a deep stream al- 
most irresistible in force. And present conditions were 
such that the deepest feelings of their hearts were en- 
listed. Their faith, begotten of new convictions, was 
leading them to gather to Utah. It was their Mecca, their 
Zion upon earth ; and every possible effort was cheerfully 
put forth to bring them to that haven of rest. Hence, 
camp rules and regulations were willingly adopted. Even 
the children seemed to vie with one another in carrying 
them out. 

And needful jt was that such faith should exist, 
for the journey before them was beset with trials and 
dangers; and no one could tell how or when trouble 
would come. The first day after my adventure passed 
pleasantly. We made a good drive and camped on a small 
clear stream — and the usual horse-shoe corral was 
formed. At dusk, the horses were placed on the inside, 
and guards placed at the ends of the corral. 

In the morning it was reported that the horses had 
been restless. I circled the camp; and near the mouth 



*The horses were not Captain Preston's; they belonged to a 
small company of men who were returning from Oregon. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 293 

of the creek I found where two Indians had jumped 
across. I knew that mischief was intended. That night 
1 was cautious in selecting a camp g-round, and careful 
in forming the corral; being sure that no gaps were left. 

Before our company left Omaha, two American 
families joined us. They were rough Nebraskan farm- 
ers ; and one of the men, whom I will call Jerry, was of 
great service to me. He was good-natured, strong and 
fearless. A younger brother of mine was also with me. 
He, too, was quiet and reliable. At prayer time I told 
the people that I feared the Indians were following us, 
and that they would try to stampede our stock, which I 
dreaded above all things. 

I had seen the effects of stampedes in my first trip 
across the plains. A tornado is but little more to be 
dreaded than the rush of a large herd of crazy, fright- 
ened cattle. I have seen wagons smashed to stove-wood, 
and strong men trampled to death. I therefore requested 
Jerry and my brother to spread their blankets near me, 
and I kept my best horse saddled ready for any emer- 
gency. 

And the emergency came about three o'clock in the 
morning. A wild yell like an Indian war-whoop rang 
out on the air, followed by a rush of cattle. In an in- 
stant, all was confusion ; women and children tumbled 
pell-mell out of the wagons in their night clothes, 
screaming and fainting. The men, guns in hand, formed 
bands and, rushing in front of the cattle, fought des- 
perately to keep them from bolting; and caused the 
crazy beasts to run in a circle. Every round brought 



294 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R, YOUNG. 

them nearer the wagons ; and I knew if they struck them 
that we were ruined. 

Grasping my two trusted men, I urged them to 
mount their horses and throw themselves between the 
cattle and the wagons, and force the cattle, if possible, to 
bolt from us. I seconded their efforts by mounting my 
horse, and getting my interpreter, hurried to the men 
who were fighting the cattle, and led them to where 
I could hear Jerry and my brother's voices vainly trying 
at each returning surge of the dark mass, to force the 
cattle farther from the wagons. 

Massing my men at the mosf exposed angle of the 
corral, I ordered them, on the return of the cattle, to 
fire a volley into the air. The sheet of flame from the 
guns seemed for a moment to paralyze the stock; and 
then with a rush that shook the ground beneath our 
feet, away they thundered toward the foothills on the 
north. 

I lay flat on my horse, and crowding him into the 
jam, was swept along with the herd for about three miles, 
until I was satisfied no Indians were following; then I 
straightened up and commenced talking to them. This 
had the effect of quieting them. They slowed up, began 
lowing, as if calling to each other, and finally stopped. 
I was soon joined by my brother ; but Jerry's horse, being 
slow, was soon distanced and lost, and he did not find us. 
Nor did he reach camp until the next day. 

As soon as it was light, we moved the cattle back 
to camp; but they were nervous, and great care had to 
be taken in yoking them up. About nine o'clock we broke 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 295 

camp. I put my brother's team in the lead, and told him 
to drive briskly as I wanted to keep the wagons some 
distance apart. I strung out the teams and instructed the 
drivers to not close up. I purposed to drive fast until 
we should reach Goose Creek, fifeen miles away, and 
then camp. 

All went as I desired, until we reached the summit 
of the last ridge. From there we had a mile of down- 
hill grade to the creek. I glanced back, and could see the 
line of white covered wagons following each other like 
birds of passage, moving -in orderly columns to a wanner 
clime. A feeling of joy filled my bosom, for I felt that 
the labors of the day would end in peace. I spurred my 
horse and galloped rapidly to the front to select the best 
spot on which to form my camp. 

Crossing the creek and ascending the bench a few 
rods to the west, I turned and looked back just in time 
to see two Indians ride from the head of a hollow on our 
left. As they rushed past the rear of the train, they gave 
their wild, blood-curdling war-whoop. As qi^ick as 
lightning an alarm seemed to flash from one end of the 
train to the other, and every team rushed wildly down 
the hill. 

My pen is too weak to describe the heart-rending 
scene that followed the fearful rushing of the wild, 
stampeded cattle. Wagons were jolted against wagons 
with such force that the inmates were thrown out, to 
be run over and trampled under foot by other mad teams 
following in their rear. On they came, tearing blindly 
in any direction that their crazy fear led them. Wagons 



296 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

were embedded in the mire of the creek, and the tongues 
jerked out. At last they began to scatter, and then 
stopped. 

Children ran instinctively to their parents for pro- 
tection. In groups they wandered frpm their teams, 
avoiding them as though they had become beasts of ter- 
ror to them. I rode to my brother, and directed hira to 
the selected camping place. He unhitched his team, and 
driving the oxen some distance away, unyoked the right 
ox and turned its head toward the off one's tail, then 
yoked it again. In this shape, as long as yoke and bows 
held, there was no danger of stampeding. 

The movement was like a revelation to the people, 
and they took new hope. I rode from wagon to wagon 
directing their movements, and checking noise and con- 
fusion. By sundown, the camp was formed, the cattle 
secured, the guards placed, and fires lighted. Then I 
turned my attention to the wounded ortes. I had but 
little knowledge of surgery ; but all eyes were turned to 
me. With a prayer for God's blessings to attend my 
efforts, I sewed up gaping flesh wounds. Providentially 
no bones were broken but there were two lovely women 
and one man who needed no help of mine. Loving 
hands smoothed the tangled hair and closed the eyes of 
the dead, and loving lips kissed the pale brows. Then 
white sheets were spread over them, and they were left 
to rest. On the morrow, on the near hillside, we dug 
their graves, and of the dear old family chests, coffins 
were made. Then a venerable man, in workman's garb, 
spoke sweet words of comfort: 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 297 

''Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." 
And whether they rest on prairie wild, or sleep in 
the city's polished sepulchres, it matters not, so God's 
will is done. In the resurrection morn, they shall come 
forth clothed with life and immortality. 



20 



CHAPTER 33. 

v A Squaw Fight. 

The coming of our people to Utah in 1847. brought 
us into contact with the powerful intermountain tribe of 
Utes. Up till then, these Indians had had but little as- 
sociation with the white man; consequently in their so- 
cial life, they were following exclusively the customs and 
traditions of their savage ancestors. Many of their 
practices were horrifying. The law of ''an eye for an 
eye, and a tooth for a tooth" was born and bred in them; 
hence, if a white man killed an Indian, the tribe took 
revenge by killing- the first white man Who chanced 
to fall into their hands, though he might have been per- 
fectly innocent, having never harmed them. They also 
took great delight in torturing helpless victims. 

At our coming, the notorious Chief Walker was 
at the zenith of his power. Not only was he a scourge 
to the Spaniards in California, but he remained also 
a terror to the weaker bands of Indians inhabiting the 
intermountain country, from vsdiom he exacted a 
yearly tribute of children, to sell into slavery to the 
Spaniards. It v^as Governor Brigham Young's pro- 
hibiting of this child-slave traffic in the territory that 
led to the Walker war. 

Next in brutality to child-slavery was what we 
termed ''squaw fights." They came about in this 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 299 

way: If a brave saw a maiden that he desired, he 
would g"o to her father, who, according to their laws, 
had a right to sell her, and bargain for her, usually 
paying from one to five ponies for her. If it happened 
that the girl had a lover, and he would put up as much 
purchase money as had the first applicant, then the 
lovers would settle it by a fist fight. 

Sometimes conditions would be such that every 
warrior in the tribe would be allowed, nay, would be 
honor-bound — to take part in the melee, and aid his 
tribesman to win his wife. It would then be a na- 
tional war, and would 1)e conducted on long-estab- 
lished rules and ceremonies which the Indians hold 
in deep reverence. 

In 1861, at the frontier town of Santa Clara, in 
southern Utah, I witnessed one of these tribal fights. 
A young, slender, delicate-looking girl, evidently the 
belle of Tutsegovett's band, was purchased by a brave 
of Coal Creek John's band; but a brave of the Santa 
Clara tribe was the g'irl's accepted lover. 

The aspirants were men of influence in their re- 
spective bands, though they were unequal in physical 
ability. The man from Cedar, whom I will call Anka- 
wakeets, was a large, muscular, well-matured man of 
commanding personality — a warrior tried and proven, 
while Panimeto, the Clara man, was only a stripling; 
a youth of fine features and an eagle eye, bespeaking 
pride and ambition, but fifty pounds lighter in weight 
than Ankawakeets. 

By the rules of the contest, this physical differ- 



300 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

ence made it impossible for the lovers to settle it by 
single combat; hence, it was arranged by tribal agree- 
ment, that twenty warriors on each side should parti- 
cipate in the struggle. The ground selected was a 
flat just west of the old Clara fort. A square was 
marked off, the creek being chosen for the south line; 
a line drawn in the sand marked the east, west, and 
north boundaries. 

East of the east line was Ankawakeets' goal, 
which, if he could reach with the girl, she was his; 
contra, west of the west line was Panimeto's goal, 
claiming the same concessions. On opposite sides of 
a line running north and south through the center of 
this square were the braves,' lined up, stripped to the 
skin save for the indispensable gee-string. 

At the tap of the Indian drum, with bowed heads, 
and arms wildly beating the air, the two files rushed 
like angry bullocks upon each other. The air-hitting 
was fierce and rapid for a few minutes, until a second 
tap of the drum, when the warriors clinched, and the 
mass became a seething, whirling, cyclone of dark 
figures, cheered on by the squaw, and by an occa- 
sional war-whoop from some interested, on-looking 
warrior. 

To vanquish an opponent you had to throw him 
and hold him flat on his back for the supposed time 
it would take to scalp an actual enemy. At the end of 
an hour's exciting struggle, a few warriors on each 
side had been vanquished ; but the forces remaining 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 30' 

were equal in number, so neither party had gained 
any advantage. 

They now changed the procedure. The father 
led the maiden to the central line. She looked terri- 
fied ; and well she might, for the ordeal through 
which she was to pass was a fearful one ; one of bru- 
tal pain that would test her powers of endurance to 
the uttermost. The champions ran to the girl, and 
seizing her by the wrists undertook to force her to 
their respective goals. Soon it became a "tug-of- 
war" with fifteen strapping warriors on each side. 
The flesh of the trembling maiden quivered under the 
strain of thirty brutal demons struggling and yelling 
to accomplish their aims. 

Gyrating from one side of the field to the other 
they came, in one of their wild swirls, to the banks 
of the creek and fell into the water pell-mell up to 
their necks. The girl, evidently in a swoon, was en- 
tirely submerged, only her mass of glossy tresses 
floating on the surface of the water. 

Andrew Gibbons, one of the Indian missionaries, 
flung himself on the bank ; and seizing the girl's hair, 
he raised her head above the water. Instantly every 
brave broke his hold, and scrambled on to the bank: 
and Ankawakeets angrily demanded that , Gibbons 
should fight him for having interfered. 

To my surprise, Gibbons accepted the challenge, 
flung aside his hat, and stepped into the ring, Tutse 
gave the signal, and Ankawakeets sprang to the fray, 
only to measure his length backward on the sand. 



302 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

Three times in succession his stalwart body kissed the 
earth. Then, moving with more caution, the Indian 
dodged a blow, and succeeded in grappling with Gib- 
bons, but again the white man's skill was superior to 
the savage's ' strength. Ankawakeets was flung to 
the ground and held until the imagined scalping was 
performed. Then Gibbons stepped back and folded 
his arms. His vanquished opponent arose, and with 
a majestic air, that a white man could not imitate, he 
stepped to the maiden, spoke a few low words that 
seemed to have a magical effect, and taking the unre- 
sisting hand,. led her to the victor and presented her 
as a bridal trophy for the white man's valor and skill. 

Gibbons, with a face glowing with satisfaction at 
the happy turn of the combat, accepted the maiden, 
and leading her to Panimeto, gave her to him — a 
mistake wherein the white man's sympathy for the 
weak overruled his judgment. The presentation was 
followed by a war-whoop from Ankawakeets, and his 
braves. Rushing to their camps they returned with 
guns in hand, and forming a circle around the girl, 
ordered her to march. 

This fight gave me a deeper insight into the no- 
bility and sterling character of our Indian missionary 
boys. What fearless men they were, ready for any 
emergency ! 

At this crisis it looked as if Ankawakeets would 
triumph by armed force ; yet the whites felt that his 
cause was not just; but an unsuspected champion, a 
veritable lion, stood in the path. This time it was 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 303 

Thales Haskell, another Indian missionary, of whom 
it was said, ''His cheeks never paled, and his voice 
never trembled." He sprang in front of Ankawakeets 
and said, 

*'I called 3^ou a chief, but I see you are a boy, and 
a coward at that. Put up your gun, and be a man." 

Then Tutsegavit's voice was heard, commanding 
the father to lead the girl to the center of the field, 
and told the warriors that they might go on with the 
fight until the sun should hide its face behind the 
mountain. If neither party won by that time, the 
girl should be released from the father's vows. 

Each band of warriors withdrew by themselves 
for a few minutes' consultation; then, with firmness 
depicted on every countenance, they took their places, 
the champions grasping again the wrists of the trem- 
bling young squaw. A look of despair deepened the 
pallor of her face, as if the terror of death was resting 
upon her; and a death-like silence reigned as both 
sides waited the signal to begin the encounter. 

At this critical moment, the girl's young brother, 
who had stood aloof with folded arms and clouded 
brow during all the struggle, bounded to his sister's 
side and, drawing his knife from its sheath, he buried 
it in her bosom. She fell lifeless into her father's 
arms. The brother, holding the bloody knife on high, 
said: 

'T loved my sister too well to see her suffer more. 
You call me a boy; but if there is a brave who thinks 
I have done wrong, let him take the knife and plunge 



304 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

it to my heart; so will I join my sister and lead her to 
the red man's happy hunting ground. I am not 
afraid to die." 

Every warrior bowed his head, and turning, 
walked in silence to his camp. 

On the morrow, our people aided in giving fit- 
ting burial to the lovely Indian girl, whose life had 
been sacrificed to the demands of a brutal custom. I 
will only add that shortly after this tragedy, Jacob 
Hamblin, the man whom the prophet Brigham Young 
ordained to be the "first apostle to the Lamanites/' 
gathered the Indians in a council and talked to them 
until they promised to give up the squaw fights. It 
was a step which marked an epoch in the life of the 
Indians ; and incidentally it serves to illustrate the in- 
fluence for good that this wonderful peace-maker held 
over our fallen brethren, the Lamanites. 



CHAPTER 34. 

Crusade Ap^ainst Plural Marriage. 

When the crusade against plural marriage com- 
menced in Utah, I was not willing to give up my fam- 
ilies ; and being of a timid nature, I sought to avoid 
trouble. In my heart I felt justified in having more 
wives than one, believing plural marriage to be God's 
law; and therefore I resolved to cleave to my wives 
and children, let come what might. On' the other 
hand, I did not court martyrdom; I was quite willing 
to retire and live in seclusion until the wave of preju- 
dice should pass away. 

Accordingly, I took up a ranch on the Boulder 
Mountain, at a place called Wild Cat, a lonely retreat 
twenty miles from any town. Here I took my wife 
Tamar," and began to run a dairy. Albina, my first 
wife, remained on the farm in Rabbit Valley. 

I had learned that there was a warrant out for 
me in the hands of Deputy Marshal Armstrong, charg- 
ing me with adultery — adultery, forsooth, with my 
own wife ! On one occasion, I was in Nephi staying 
with Thomas Bowles. We were walking past Whit- 
more's store in the ev€ning, when Brother Bowles 
suddenly caught my arm. ''There's Armstrong!" said 
he, pointing to a man in front of the livery stable 
who was trying to hold a lantern, and at the same 
time to do some repair work on a buggy. I stepped 



306 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG, 

forward, held the lantern, and chatted with him some 
fifteen minutes. He thanked me, and I knew Johnny 
Armstrong from that time onward. 

Soon after my return to A\'ild Cat 1 received a 
communication from my brother Franklin, saying 
that Armstrong and McGary wanted to meet us, and 
try to make "terms" with us; pledging their word that 
we should not be arrested at the meeting. I declined 
to meet. I knew the marshals, and I. didn't intend 
that by any such ruse they should make my acquaint- 
ance. 

My brother met them, however, and agreed on 
terms; and when notified, he went to Beaver and sur- 
rendered himself; received as his "medicine" the full 
extent of the law — three years and three hundred dol- 
lars. 

Before harvest time, it became necessary for me 
to go to the city for a reaper. My wife Albina was 
with me on my way home, and just as wx reached the 
head of the long dugway overlooking Rabbit Valley, 
Armstrong drove up. I stopped and let him pass. He 
thanked me, and drove by. I knew him and rejoiced 
that he didn't know me. 

Once I came up from Wild Cat to get a load of 
rock salt for my cattle. I called at the Co-op. store, 
but it had none. Hugh McClellan, the man that the 
deputies always stopped with, said, "Drive me home, 
and I will let you have a load." 

"Am I safe?" 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 307 

"Perfectly; there will be no one here for three 
or four days." 

I went, and was loading the salt into my wagon 
when Lish Goff, a rough man, supposedly unfriendly 
to me, pulled my sleeve, and nodded toward a side 
lane. There came Armstrong and McGary! I felt 
I was a "goner." Surely I could not escape this time! 
However, I picked up my lines and drove off. Mc- 
Clellan was as white as death. 

As I turned my back to the marshals, I was not 
ten rods in advance of them. Goff stepped out, and 
told them dinner was ready. They wanted to go to 
the store, but he persuaded them to wait until after 
dinner. Thanks to Goff and the "deps" not knowing 
me, I escaped again. 

In the fall, I loaded up a four-horse outfit with 
cheese to take up to the valley. On Monday morning 
I sent my little boys to the pasture to bring up my 
horses. As they were gone rather long, I stepped 
a few rods in front of the house to look out for them, 
and I heard a voice distinctly say, "Don't go today." 

I consequently told the boys to saddle me a rid- 
ing pony, and turn the work horses out and let them 
go to the mountain. Going down the road about ten 
miles, I turned off to Giles' sheep camp. Just as I 
reached the camp, we were visited with a heavy rain- 
storm, and as one happ)^ result all previous tracks in 
the road were obliterated. On my return home I 
saw a fresh buggy track, and looking ahead three 



308 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

hundred yards, I beheld my friends, the. enemy! I 
followed leisurely until the road made a curve around 
the head of a hollow, when I cut across and came in 
ahead of them. They helloed, but of course I did not 
hear. McGary stood up with his gun in his hand, 
but as I quickened my pace, he sat down again. Pres- 
ently we came to the forks of the road ; the right-hand 
went to Wild Cat, the left to Brinkerhoff's ranch. I 
took the left, riding leisurely so the buggy might fol- 
low. When within a mile of the ranch, I rode rapidly 
ahead, found everybody gone, and the door locked. I 
next rode over the brow of a rock ridge. 

Then from behind a tree 
I observed the enemy, 

until the shadow of night settled down upon us, and 
they had unharnessed, tied up, and gathered wood to 
keep fire until morning. Then I went home to a lov- 
ing family and a warm supper. 

In the morning the deputies hunted until dis- 
couraged, and were on the eve of leaving the moun- 
tain when they met a stockman who gave me away 
by directing them to Wild Cat. They came, got their 
breakfast, then subpoenaed Tamar, and her daugh- 
ters Harriet and IMay, to appear in court on a certain 
day. When the time came, I sent Albina, my first 
wife, with my daughters Harriet and May; instruct- 
ing them, when before the jury to speak the truth 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 309 

freely about me, and promising that all should be well 
with them. They did so, and the court treated them 
respectfully, Marshal Armstrong being a gentleman 
and a friend to them. Tamar's health was delicate, 
and I determined she should not be dragged into 
court to be cross-questioned by lawyers ; and, as often 
happened, censured and lectured by a missionary 
judge. 

My next meeting with the men who looked so 
kindly after the "cohabs"was at Thurber. My son 
Ferra had purchased a. strong, nervous, though vi- 
cious horse, and we believed that, given a little start, 
there was nothing in our burg that could overtake 
him. I had again been for a load of salt, returning 
with a four-horse team, and had reached Thurber 
when my son William R. overtook me. 

"Father," said he, ''3^ou had better ride Selim a 
little while, and be quick about it." 

I had just mounted when Bishop Coleman and 
my brother Franklin W. met us. They turned across 
the canal and drove rapidly toward the river, the mar- 
shals being in sight and driving furiously toward us. 
I loitered near my team in hopes to draw the ''deps" 
after me; but they could see Coleman's rig, and 
wheeled across the canal in pursuit of him. 

I jumped my horse across the canal ; and gallop- 
ing around a block, came into the road just ahead of 
the officers. They called on me to stop; but I could 
not do it, as some dogs ran out from a house I was 
passing, and so frightened my horse that he broke 



310 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

into a dead run. I jerked back violently and broke 
one rein, virtually turning the vicious brute loose. 
He seemed to go crazy. A man by the name of Keel 
was working on a vacant rocky lot near' by. The 
horse bolting in that direction, pitched at the man, 
who struck him over the head with a crowbar. This 
seemed to daze the animal for a minute, then he com- 
menced buckmg; and for a short time he made it 
mighty interesting for me, and the people who were 
looking on. Finally, he threw up his head and broke 
for home, and I was quite willing to let him go. The 
marshals turned and followed, whereby the other 
"cohabs" got away again. I took a skurry through 
the hills, and late in the evening brought up at my 
brother's, in Teasdale, where I found Willie R. Later 
still. Bishop Coleman and Franklin W. arrived safe 
and sound. 

Brother C. L. Christensen was living on a ranch 
about half way between Wild Cat and the Valley. 
One day the marshals caught him. "Now," said they, 
''you are a poor man, and we don't want to make it 
hard on you. We will let you go now if you will 
promise to come when we want you. You can thus 
be at home in peace with your family until you are 
wanted in court." So he promised. ''Now," they 
said, "we are going home, and we will write you about 
ten days before we come for you ; so you will have 
time to be prepared." 

As soon as they were gone. Brother Christensen 
kindly came over and told me of the baro-ain, addinsf. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 311 

''Now you can stay at home and not worry; for when 
I get the letter, I will send you word." I was pleased ; 
for staying 'at home in peace in those troublesome 
times was pleasant. It was getting cold on the moun- 
tain, so I moved down to my winter ranch on Pleasant 
Creek. One night I woke up, and a low voice said to 
me, ''The marshals will not write to Christensen, and 
you had better get away from here.'' 

In the morning I rode eight miles . to Bishop 
Joseph H. Wright's ranch, told him of my impres- 
sions, and said : "Tomorrow morning, before light, 
I shall pull for Colorado." He replied, "I will be at 
your place tonight, prepared to go with you." The 
next morning, at three o'clock, we pulled out, without 
letting our neighbors know of it. 

I had three horses and a big, snorty mule in my 
team, and my wagon carried three thousand pounds 
of freight. About two o'clock, while driving across 
a smooth clay flat running parallel with the Dirty 
Devil river, I had raised the cover and was looking at 
a ranch on the south side, when I heard a moan ; and 
looking around I saw Tamar fall from the wagon on- 
to the heels of the mule. The team, becoming fright- 
ened, ran two hundred yards before I could stop them. 
When I finally did so, there lav Tamar, the nio-h 
front wheel on her breast. I sprang out, pulled the 
team back with one hand, and lifted the wheel with 
the other until I rolled it off her. 

The mule backed until her feet struck Tamar, 
then she wanted to run again. I tried with one hand 



312 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

to pull Tamar's body from the road, but she said, 
''Don't, you hurt my hand." Then I saw that her 
hand was under the wheel. With one hand and my 
.knee, J lifted the wheel and she drew her hand out; 
then she fainted. 

All this time, little Ray, three years old, fright- 
ened nearly to death, was screaming and threatening 
to tumble out of the wagon. I lifted him down, then 
examined Tamar's hand^ expecting to have to take 
my iknife and cut off her fingers, for they looked, in 
the blood and dust, as if they were ground to pieces. 
I found the bones were not broken. Thus relieved, 
I thought of assistance ; and called to Bishop Wright, 
who was some distance ahead. Luckily he heard me, 
and ran back. Tamar still lay as if dead. Brother 
Wright brought some water from the river; we 
bathed her face, and she revived. 

We arranged a bed in the wagon, and placed her 
on it, then drove till after midnight before we reached 
a habitation. We finally got into a school-house and 
spent the rest of the night in administering to, and 
nursing my wife. Her breast bone was crushed in, 
and her hand badly lacerated; and I feared the ner- 
vous shock and the bruise would bring on premature 
child-birth and perhaps death. In the morning she 
felt so much better, however, that we moved on to 
Hanksville, about fifteen miles. 

On the west side of town was a store, in care of 
Mrs. Dr. Jorgensen, an old acquaintance of ours. At 
the store the public road shot to the north and south. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 313 

The latter led to Hall's Ferry, on the Colorado; the 
former crossed the Dirty Devil and went to Blake, on 
Green River. As we drove up, Sister Jorgensen ran 
out to see Tamar. I jumped from the wagon and 
stopped her, telling her she must not see her, as it 
would get her into trouble. She prepared some lini- 
ment, and told me how to nurse her; then I bade her 
good-bye. 

We crossed the road, pulled through the town, 
down the river two miles, and stopped with William 
Bacon. They gave us their best room and bed, and 
Tamar rested comfortably for two days. Again in 
the night, an unseen power said to me, ''Move on." 
Tamar's body w^as sore; but I knew the road was 
sandy and free from rooks, and she said she would 
rather go than be arrested. We crossed the river in 
Brother Bacon's field, and followed an old wood road 
up a sandy hollow, until we struck the main road. 

Just before reaching it, we saw the tops of three 
wagons passing. They drove to the ford near the 
store, and camped. They had scarcely unharnessed 
when Armstrong and McGary drove up. The freight- 
ers assured them we were not on the road, as they 
were direct from Green River and had met no one. 

The officers then wheeled and took the road for 
Hall's Ferry. Twenty miles out they met Dan Dal- 
ton, who assured them we were not on that road. 
They then returned to the store and questioned Sis- 
ter Jorgensen, threatening to arrest her unless she 
would tell them where we were; but she maintained 

21 



314 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

stoutly that she had not seen Mrs. Young, and knew 
nothing of her whereabouts. 

When the marshals first reached the store, twenty 
minutes' drive would have taken them to us ; but 
when they came back from a forty-mile run, their 
team was exhausted. They offered fifty dollars for 
the use of a fresh team; but no one in Hanksville 
wanted the money, and to this day I have a warm 
spot in my heart for those good people. 

The day we left Brother Bacon's was full of pain- 
ful anxiety to Bishop Wright and myself. The sand 
was deep, and our loads heavy; we had to move slow- 
ly, walking by the side of our teams and resting every 
few rods. These, however, were minor troubles; the 
atmosphere was full of apprehension and danger. 
From the top of every ridge we looked back, expect- 
ing to see our enemy coming; and I had determined 
that Tamar should not be dragged into court if I had 
power to prevent it. 

Our wives were innocent of crime ; they were 
virtuous, honest, bashful girls, unused to public life. 
In their innocence and spiritual devotion, they had 
trusted us for guidance and protection ; and I was 
not going to see my wife slurred and brow-beaten by 
a profligate lawyer, nor humiliated by a missionary 
judge. We might suffer by flight — and we did suffer 
more than my pen can tell ; as a matter of fact, Ta- 
mar suffered for years from the effect of the accident 
she met with — but we escaped arrest, and there was 
comfort in that. I had never felt that the road to 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 315 

exaltation was through the Utah penitentiary; I did 
not owe Uncle Sam a cent ; and I certainly did not 
want to be honored by wearing the uniform of his 
boarding house. One more incident and then I am 
done with the marshals. 

By appointment, I met my cousin Brigham m 
Rabbit Valley, and accompanied him across the des- 
ert to New Mexico, Below Hanksville, we met Dan 
Dalton, who was freighting from the Henry Moun- 
tain. He told us there were two marshals at the ferry 
evidently waiting for someone. We passed on, and 
when by ourselves, Brigham asked, ''What shall we 
do?" I replied, ''You are the captain; as you direct, 
I shall act." "Well," he said, "I'll tell you: if you 
will drive the team I will do the fighting, and there 
are no two deputy marshals living that can take me 
back to Utah. 

When we reached the Colorado, we met Platte D. 
Lyman and L. H. Redd, the supposed marshals. They 
took our carriage apart and ferried us over the river 
in a small boat, swimming our horses. I went to 
Fruitland, New Mexico, with Brigham, then bought 
two scrub ponies and went back alone. 

In a seven days' ride on the desert, I met but 
three persons. The first two were Bishop Allan Tay- 
lor and Bishop Franzen, who were on the "under- 
ground," and later on I met a deputy marshal on this 
wise : There being no one at the ferry, I swam the 
Colorado, pack-horse and all; and passing through 



316 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

Hanksville in the night, I rode out on to the desert 
about fifteen miles, hobbled my horses and went to 
sleep. As soon as it was light in the morning I was 
moving; 

Presently I met two grey horses, hobbled, and 
evidently running away. Tying the greys to my 
pack-horse's tail I took them with me about three 
miles, when I met the owner. He was pleased with 
what I had done, and became communicative, telling 
me he was a deputy marshal ; then, stopping suddenly, 
he asked my name. 

"Brown," said I. 

"What Brown?" 

"John." 

"Where are you from?" 

"Kanab." 

"W^hat are you to Guernsey Brown?" 

"Cousin." 

That reassured him. He told me he had been to 
Kanab after "cohabs." 

By this time we had reached his camp. I took 
breakfast with him, and he continued to interest me 
by telling me he was after a fellow by the name of 
Young. I asked him what Young. He said "John R." 
I told him I had heard of him ; but had never met him. 
He said Young had gone to New Mexico to hunt 
him a home; but would soon return by way of Blake, 
and he was going to wait for him. 

We rode together until we reached the San Ra- 
fael. There we parted, as I was going to the Iron 
Springs to look at a bunch of cattle I thought of buy- 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 317 

ing. That night, about midnight, I reached my lit- 
tle home in Huntington, and found my wife Tamar 
very feeble. She had lost her babe, and was still suf- 
fering with lier breast and mutilated hand, the result 
of her fainting and falling out of the wagon when 
fleeing to avoid arrest and imprisonment for having 
become a plural wife when there was no law making 
it a crime. 

During the crusade, I suffered my family to be- 
come scattered. It was one of the errors of my life. 
The principle of plural marriage came from God; and 
when honestly lived up to, it purifies the life and en- 
larges the soul. On the same reasoning, since the 
Manifesto was adopted, it should be honored, because 
it came from God, for the temporal salvation of his 
people. 

And now that plural marriage is barred by law, 
that does not justify men, when in power, in being 
cruel and oppressive, as some of the judges and many 
of the marshals were. The intent of the law is to 
render justice, tempered with mercy; but in this sup- 
pression of polygamy in Utah, the Roman idea, that 
to the 'Victor belongs the spoil" was adopted; and I 
felt then, as I do now, that it was unjust and cruel. 



CHAPTER 35. 

^ Salt Lake Valley in 1847. 

Salt Lake Valley, as it lay in eighteen forty-seven, 
Was a desert desolate. Its parched wastes were 

given 
As a play ground for the hot winds that in whirlpools 
Sent clouds of alkali dust whirling through the air, 
Poisoning with its white breath the scant vegetation 

existing there. 
And in the summer, from the grey, sunburned bench 

lands. 
Looking westward, the glimmering lake, and the glis- 
tening sands 
Of the great American desert, met the traveler's view. 
Forming a horizon, beyond which no white man 

knew. 
Only the red man whispered, ''Not many moons ago 
A train of white men^s wagons passed along the south- 
ern shore. 
Vanished in the murky mirage, and were seen no 

more ; 
Save one, who with tattered clothes, emaciate, and 

footsore, 
Came to our camps, and with feverish greed — 
Snatched our cricket meal, and wild grass seed' 
By signs explained that all his friends were dead, 
That he alone was left, the backward trail to tread." 
No more was learned, and this gruesome view 
Was magnified by Bridger, to the exiles of Nauvoo. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 319 

The pioneer camp was silent, no boisterous laughter 

there ; 
Each step was still and careful, each word a whispered 

prayer. 
In Wilford Woodruff's carriage, the Prophet Brig- 
ham lay 
Burning with mountain fever, no skill of theirs could 

stay. 
O Father, spare thy servant — we need his helping 

hand 
To guide Thy people's footsteps, till they reach the 

promised land. 
No power but Thine can save him. Shall thy people 

plead in vain? 
Stay Thou, the burning fever that is racking him with 

pain. 
They were camped in Echo Canyon, between those 

massive walls 
That send back an echo to the thunder's pealing calls. 
But the very voice of nature seemed hushed upon 

that day 
And the peace of God came to them ; a peace that 

came to stay. 
Again the voice of Brigham, like Joseph's, rings out 

clear; 
'Tis firm, bold, and decisive, banishing doubt and 

fear; 
"Let Orson Pratt and Erastus Snow move on with 

half the train, 
And when you reach the Valley, go northward o'er 

the plain 
Till you strike a mountain brooklet; then camp and 

sow your grain, 



320 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

And you shall reap a harvest. Push on, and do not 

doubt — 
For it shall be our Zion, the 'land of rest, sought out." 

Upon the mountain-top, the weary band stood still 

And watched their pale-faced chieftain, the man of 
iron will. 

Who had freed the hosts of Israel from mobocratic 
power. 

And held that host together, until the present hour. 

When George M. Hinkle faltered, and betrayed our 
prophet guide, 

'Twas Brigham's faith and couiage that stayed the 
treacherous tide. 

That flowed from Boggs' scheming, to sweep the 
Church aside ; 

With matchless skill and wisdom, checkmated Ben- 
ton's plans 

By sending a battalion to fight the Mexicans. 

Even President Van Buren, with Benson as his aid, 

Was fairly circumvented at the cruel game they 
played. 

'Tis true we lost our city, the beautiful Nauvoo, 

'Twas sacked, and desecrated, by Brockman's heart- 
less crew. 

And these, the fleeing exiles that stood upon that hill. 

Had faith in their great leader — they loved his iron 
will; 

But the scenes that lay before them stretched e'en 
the chords of faith — 

Were they going to destruction? Had they found 
their burying place? 

Was death to be the outcome, the answer to their 
prayer? 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 321 

Were they, their wives and loved ones, Donner's fate 
to share? 

O think, you pious Christians, who drove them from 
their land, 

Could you have stood the trials of that heroic band? 

They place upon the altar the treasures of the soul, 

The hope of an existence, to God they gave the whole. 

And God, who ever watches over his faithful ones. 

Sent down the bow of promise; it came through Brig- 
ham Young. 

'T have seen thi-s land in vision; I saw the tent come 
down 

And rest upon the summit of yonder rising ground. 

There we will build a temple, a resting place for God, 

And His Spirit will requicken the hill and valley sod." 

These were the sweetest sayings that mortals ever 
heard; 

It was the balm of Gilead, Jehovah's healing word. 

They will stand through endless ages as Brigham's 
crowning act ; 

The strength and inspiration that founded a common- 
wealth, 

AVhere the love of God, and libert}^, will dwell in every 
soul, 

And Columbia's sons, in righteousness, will govern 
and control. 

Then the honored name and memory of Brigham 
Young shall be 

A legacy as priceless as the boon of liberty. 



322 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

UTAH'S PIONEERS 

Written July 24, 1918 

Dear Pioneers, brave Pioneers ! 

We welcome you with hearty cheers ! 

I search in vain, in every land, 

To find the equals of that band 

Of noble men and women true 

Who left their homes, their lov'd Nauvoo, 

Facing hunger and wintry blasts 

To 'scape a foe, whose blood-stained lash 

Had scarred the back of sire and son, 

And burned the homes of helpless ones ! 

A lawless mob, whose thirst for blood 

Flowed like a stream, a filthy flood — 

Submerging Nauvoo's well tilled grounds. 

And spreading sorrow all around, 

Destroying property and life 

And ushering in the bitter strife 

That ended the noble Prophets' lives. 

And forced the bleeding Saints to flee 

To Utah's vales, harbor of law and liberty! 

Marked ye, the path the fathers trod? 

How close they crept to Israel's God? 

Like Moses at the burning bush, 

Took off their shoes midst thorns and brush, 

And tramped across the cactus plains, 

That we our freedom might obtain? 

O Liberty, blessed, priceless gift! 

For which our fathers bled and died! 

Casting all thoughts of self aside! 

Giving their lives, if need must be, 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 323 

That we, their children, might be free. 
O precious seed, and wisely sown! 
See how the fruit of it has grown: 
An Empire State of spotless fame, 
No traitor's act has our flag stained, 
But loyal to the heart and core 
Our sons are mustering by the score , 
And rushing to the battle's van. 
To ''win or die" to the last man. 
Our hearts are set, we lift on high 
Our nation's glorious battle cry, 
And shout aloud, with trumpet breath, 
"Give us liberty, or give us death!" 

A PEACEFUL HOME. 

From F. M. Young's Journal. 

Better than gold is a peaceful home — 

Where all the fireside charities come. 

The shrine of love, and the heaven of life, 

Hallowed by mother, or sister, or wife. 

However humble the home may be 

Or tried by sorrow by Heaven's decree. 

The blessings that never were bought or sold, v 

And center there, are better than gold. 

— Copied Oct. 18, 1919. 



CHAPTER 36. 

V From the Cradle to the Grave. 

A little boy at his mother's knee, 
Laughing and babbling in childish glee ; 
A willow horse in his chubby hand; 
Acting the role of a grown-up man. 
Shaking his head in an angry mood, 
As if deep wrongs he had endured. 
Tossing a lock from his baby brow — 
Catching a flash of repentance now, 
Then cuddling close to his mother's side, 
As if to heal his wounded pride — 
And many a wound, by a mother's kiss 
Is changed from pain to a cup of bliss. 

A strapping yOuth at the "garden gate," 
Anxious to meet his expected mate ; 
With a wish in his heart the future to see, 
To catch one glimpse of his destiny. 
Willing to give his share of the world 
For a warranty deed of his cherished girl; 
Nervous to right an imagined wrong, 
Nursing his wrath for a battle strong; 
Heedless of counsel, for in his own eyes 
His case is just and his judgment wise. 
'' 'Tis manly to stand in defense of truth," 
And 'T know I am right" is the voice of youth. 

Next comes the man, majestic and grand. 
And what is gfrander than a noble man? 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 325 

In every move there is power and grace, 

Revealing the origin of his race ; 

The depth of thought, the fire of his brain, 

Leaping from earth to reahiis whence he came : 

Chaining the Hghtning with a skilful hand, 

Making it serve the bidding of man ; 

Building a kite to fly to the skies, 

Onward, and upward, without knowing why. 

From the baby's cradle to the father's grave, 
As restless and forceful as the ocean's wave; 
The child, the youth, the man in his power 
Show that conditions are made for the hour; 
That cause and effect are as true to their rule 
As any, those laws, we learn in our school. 
To mortals, old age is the crowning link. 
The last breathing spell, as we stand on the brink 
Of a wonderful change, called the river of time, 
Or passage of death, a terror and dread 
To most of the living, but what of the dead? 
The millions of loved ones who've passed through 

the door. 
And are hid from our view, on that mystical 

shore? 
Can just spirits answer? speak up if you can, 
And tell us the future of him we call man. 
Is life there a burden, or is it a joy? 
An existence of pleasure, without pain or alloy? 
Hark,- a voice comes from Joseph, the prophet 

and seer; 
'''Listen, ye mortals, the glad tidings hear;" 
Death is the portal that gives to our sight 
An endless progression, in the mansions of light; 



326 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

And with the faithful meet the Father and Son, 
And dwell with the righteous, exalted ones. 
'Tis the ''lost tree of knowledge" that opens our 

V eyes, 
And brings us to Eden, a redeemed Paradise. 

LINES TO SISTER M. L. 

There was a sound of revelry by night, 

And Grayson's school-house was all aglow ; 

Windows were brilliant with borrowed lights, 

And youthful feet were tripping to and fro. 

"Soft eyes looked love to eyes that spake again," 

And words of cheer sent back a warm refrain ; 

For every heart was full of joy and pride. 

Like the wedded lover, welcoming the blushing bride. 

And speech, and song, with hearty zest, 

Each one to entertain doing his best. 

And wherefore this ? In this broad land there is no 

foe, 
No cloud of war, no shadows of impending woe. 
The sky serene ; an atmosphere of peace. 
Inviting old and young as to a feast. 
And 'twas a feast, a feast of soul 
A prize more precious than a mine of gold ; 
A sacrifice, free given, on the altar of pure love, 
A call to mission labor, from the courts above. 

O brothers in a common cause, did you ever feel 
Coming to your being a joy you can't reveal? 
A baptism, or a birth, an unction from on high? 
An evolution of happiness, that moistens every eye? 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 327 

Like the joy that came to Abraham, when he offered 

up his son, 
When his guardian angel shouted, ''Hold ! Harm not 

the precious one !" 
The metal has been proven in the crucible of pain ; 
The dross has been rejected, the gold alone remains. 
So tonight, we say to Mary, a daughter native born — 
We have known her from the cradle, in sunshine and 

in storm; 
One of the chosen spirits our Father sent to earth 
To labor in the mission field, a trust of sacred worth. 
And every soul within our town will hasten to the 

hall 
To witness his approval of this angelic call ; 
Go forth, thou blessed sister, into the mission field; 
To meet the mists of darkness, keep virtue as thy 

shield ; 
Strong in thine own inheritance, a pure and spotless 

life, 
And you shall be victorious in every gospel strife. 



CHAPTER 37. 

The Young Men's Pledge. — Brlgham Young's One Hundred::li 
Birthday. — Mary's Birthday. — Some Things that I Remember. 

THE YOUNG MEN'S PLEDGE. 
Joseph Smith and John M. Horner. 

Two boys were hoeing corn pne day, 

Beneath a July sun, 
And as they worked, in friendly chat 

Their youthful fancies run. 

'T'll be a farmer," the younger said, 

"And study nature's laws — 
If there is growth of tree or plant 

I'll know the primal cause." 

Thus John, the younger of the two. 
With a bright, progressive mind, 

Explained to Joseph what he'd do 
When he became a man. 

I watched and listened with interest now, 

To the elder boy's reply ; 
For his was a fine, intellectual brow. 

And a keen, prophetic eye. 

"I'll be a man of God," he said — 
"A student of truths divine ; 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 329 

I'll soar from earth to realms above 
Where endless treasures shine. 

'Til study the lives of noble men; 

I'll search the Scriptures too, 
And I will know^, if mortal can, 

If Hebrev^ books are true. 

'Til knov^ if Moses talked v^ith God, 

Upon the Mount Sinai; 
The paths the ancient prophets trod — 

I'll tread before I die." 

And each one, happy v^ith the thoughts 
That stirred their youthful breasts, 

Silently finished the task in hand, 
Then sought their home and rest. 

As years rolled on, v^e v^atched those boys, 

And history proves to you. 
Throughout their lives they kept their vows, 

With motives pure and true. 

The farmer became a wonderful man 

In agricultural skill; 
And boundless wealth came from the soil 

In obedience to his will. 

His name and fame went round the world, 

And kings bestowed their praise. 
He is today a shining mark 
Of God's mysterious ways." 
22 



330 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

The other one, would that my pen 

Could a truthful picture give, 
Of the prayerful, trustful, God-like life 

That noble boy did live. 

How every word of that first pledge 

To the letter was fulfilled; 
How his bright mind grasped light and truth, 

Until the Seer was killed. 



How God the Father, and Christ the Son, 

Talked face to face with him ; 
How Peter, James and John — anointed ones, 

Were sent by Eloheim 

To lay their lands on Joseph's head, 

The priesthood to restore; 
How Moses and Elias came with keys 

They held in days of yore. 

Moroni, the Nephite Prophet, came 

In robes of spotless white, 
Talked with the boy of hidden things, 

From eve till morning light. 

We talk of teachers learned and wise. 

Of pupils, apt and bright; 
But never by man was mortal taught 

As Joseph was that night ! 

History of nations, long since dead. 
Were revealed to him so plain 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 331 

That he in language strong and clear, 
Could make them live again. 

He learned the solar system's laws, 

And measured KoIoId's time — 
That God, of matter formed the worlds 

That now in splendor shine. 

That man, now mortal, is Jehovah's child — 

A birthright, endless and grand, 
The crown of glory, in heaven, is this : 

To be an exalted man. 

These were the paths the young man trod — 

That was the glorious aim. 
To pierce the skies, commune with God, 

Eternal life to gain. 

BRIGHAM YOUNG'S ONE HUNDREDTH 
BIRTHDAY. 

Our multitude of little ones, 

Dear precious souls, so bright and gay — 

So full of life and harmless fun, 

In neat attire, together come 

And shout aloud, " 'Tis first of June, 

And we have come to sing a tune 

In memory of the natal day 

Of Israel's chieftain, Brigham Young." 

"Teacher," they cry, with faces all aglow 
With life and joy, 'Ve wish to know 



332 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG, 

More of the life, the acts, the worth 
Of that great man who came to earth 
One hundred years ago." 

".Well, children, I have heard my father say 

That Brigham came upon a 'blusterous day/ 

The June sun rose so bright and clear. 

But soon a change came o'er the atmosphere. 

Dark clouds went scurrying through the sky — 

And shrieking gusts and moaning sigh 

Gave warning of a coming storm 

That filled the people with alarm — 

The elements ceased not their war 

Until the day had gone afar 

Toward the setting of the sun. 

But e'er old Sol his race had run, 

A wondrous change again had come; 

And all was bright, serene and calm 

When Brigham Young was born — 

At night within that humble home. 

Rest and peace to all had come. 

'Twas the foreshadow of that great man's life — 
At baptism commenced the bitter strife; 
The sneer and scoff of sectarian hate 
Increased to town, to county, and to state. 
Armed and legalized mobs were soon in line 
Against the God-sent prophet of modern times ; 
And gifted men, once active in the cause, 
Turned traitor to the kingdom and its laws ; 
But Brigham's knees ne'er trembled in that hour. 
Defending Joseph with all his might and power. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 333 

First at Far West, the storm in fury raged, 

And Zion's leaders in chains were caged; 

For six long months they wore the galling chains; 

In dismal dungeons their weary limbs had lain. 

And Clark's militia mob despoiled the Saints, 

Till e'en the strongest faith seemed faint; 

Then Brigham showed the temper of his soul — 

Leader born, and warrior bold. 

He rallied the scattering sheep, led them to pastures 

new, 
Till Joseph came, and founded fair Nauvoo. 

'Twas in those years of toil and strife, and sin, 
That Joseph learned to trust in him. 
And pointed the path the Saints should tread 
When Joseph and Hyrum would be dead. 
At last the storm in fury broke 
At Carthage jail, with cruel stroke, 
Joseph and Hyrum both were slain — 
The Church had lost its head again. 

Then Brigham's lion heart was seen — 

With master mind he spanned the stream, 

And led the bleeding Saints to Utah's inland sea. 

And planted them in liberty. 

In valleys sheltered by lofty snow-capped domes, 

W^here God has smiled upon their homes. 

And then he brought the poor from every land 
And made a strong united band; 
Taught them how to till the soil. 
Taught them peace — to cease turmoil; 
Taught them to give a helping hand 



334 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

To every soul throughout their land. 

He taught our children to be kind 

And pure, and truthful, and refined. 

And God so blessed the work thus done. 

That rqillions loved the name of Brigham Young. 

MARY'S BIRTHDAY. 

Mary Y. Roberts — dear May, 

This is a warm, beautiful winter day, 

And your mother says it's your birthday; 

That forty years ago, precisely at dinner time, 

Your earthly life began to shine. 

Such a tiny, faint little glimmer — 

A mere dot, a spark dropped from above. 

From the mystic, boundless ocean of love, 

The mother, and Giver of all creation; 

We were waiting, looking, and praying for you; 

We wanted you, yet we hardly knew 

How to prepare properly for your reception. 

But your mother did the best she could, 

And with Aunt Marinda's help so clever, 

And with your grandpa, kind and good. 

They nursed the little feeble flame 

To life ; helped it gain courage to remain, 

And it became a source of joy forever. 

What ups and downs have passed since then! 
Who knew the future, where, how, and when 
The lightning's flash from out the storm 
Would crush to earth some loved one's form — 
Or tear loved branches from the tree. 
And shroud the home in miserv? 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 335 

For pain and death come to the earth 

Unheralded. Not so with -birth. 

Death comes ; we have no power to stay the blow. 

It strikes; the dearest ones are first to go, 

No matter how firm the heart-strings cling; 

'Tis like a bird upon the wing — 

Soon 'scapes- the reach of our weak hands, 

And takes its flight to other lands 

While we, held by an unseen power, 

Are crushed by the sorrows of the hour; 

We droop, and like the bird we've caged, 

Against our prison bars we wage 

A restless warfare, seeking in vain, 

Freedom from life that gives us pain. 

But freedom's boon will never come. 

Until we learn, ''Thy will be done," 

And every quiver of the soul 

By patient guard has learned control ; 

And prove another law divine, 

That every act reaps of its kind. 

And all who sow in purity and love, 

Reap a rich harvest from above. 

You, dear child, born forty years ago, 
Have drunk your cup of grief and woe. 
This is the arch of the span of life ; 
It marks the zenith of earthly strife. 
For forty years you've, climbed and climbed — 
It is enough. Hereon the path shall wind 
'Mid shaded groves of field and flowers. 
Bringing bright days, and pleasant hours ; 
No storm shall rise to cross your path again, 
But what the cold shall turn to summer rain, 



336 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

And every cloud, by children's love dispelled, 
Will v^hisper peace, and, mother, all is well. 

These are the w^ords a father's lips declare ; 
From this time on your life shall taste, and share 
The "peace and love, the joy and bliss 
That crov^ns a life of righteousness. 

SOME THINGS THAT I REMEMBER 

I am seventy-seven years old today — 
My step is light, but my hair is gray. 
The ear and eye are not so bright. 
Showing a failing in hearing and sight. 
And I cannot run as once I could. 
When legs and lungs were strong and good. 
My breath goes short as I climb the hill, 
Showing that strength is not equal to will; 
For hope and will, blessed gifts of God, 
Are strong in my heart like an iron rod; 
Leading my feet in their earthly strife, 
Pointing my soul to a higher life. 

What a flood of sorrow, what an ocean of joy 

Has crossed my path, as man and boy! 

O, could I tell the changes I've seen, 

'Twould equal in romance Alladin's dream. 

It would quicken our pulse with a warm desire 

To review the deeds of our noble sires; 

For progress and growth in the realms of thought, 

Are often with pain and sorrow bought; 

And the richest gifts that crown our lives, 

Come as a reward for a heart's sacrifice. 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 337 

I remember when seven summers had fled, 

Of kneeling beside a sick mother's bed; 

With her motherly hand on my curly head, 

She told me that Joseph and Hyrum were dead. 

How deeply we loved the patriarch and seer 

Was shown by the thousands who wept at their bier; 

The Saints at Nauvoo were crushed by the blow — 

'Twas my first comprehension of national woe, 

For Israel that day lost a heavenly treasure, 

A shepherd who fed them with wisdom unmeasured. 

I remember full well the Prophet's sweet smile 

As he patted my head, I a weak, sickly child, 

And said to my father, "Fear not. Brother Young, 

For a long life awaits this dear little son. 

He will grow up to manhood, the priesthood he'll 

hold. 
And carry the gospel to nations untold." 
Those kind words of promise illumined my soul; 
The light is still with me, although I am old. 

The next I remember was the ice-flowing tide 
Of the great Mississippi, its flood a mile wide, 
The shout of the boatmen, the splash of their oars. 
As they pushed the huge scow from the river's east 

shore. 
They were giants in stature, and fearless and bold. 
They shrunk not in danger, nor shivered in cold 
There was tall Thomas Grover, and brave Warren 

Snow, 
And three other heroes whose names I don't know. 
With skill and endurance they stemmed the wild tide, 
And landed their freight on the Iowa side. 



338 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

Say, what was the freight that faced ice, wind, and 

snow? 
'Twas the Saints who were fleeing from homes in 

Nauvoo. 

I remember the camp fires that blazed high in the 

woods, 
While one side was freezing, one scorched where we 

stood; 
And the anguish of childbirth, when the mother's 

strength failed. 
Was drowned by the fury of the tempest and hail. 
'Twas a cruel, bitter struggle with cold and with rain: 
The route of our journey was marked with our slain; 
AVith zeal, faith, and courage, ne'er excelled by man. 
The journey to Utah our fathers began. 
I walked with the children, and helped drive the 

sheep, 
Hatless and shoeless, with sore bleeding feet. 

The wonderful journey w^as ended at last — 
Forgotten in pleasures, were the cold wintry blasts; 
For 'the sunshine of Utah brought strength, peace, 

and health. 
With a promise, if faithful, of the blessings of wealth; 
The words of the Prophet in part were fulfilled ; 
Israel had fled to the mountains, an empire to build. 

Sixteen summers had passed, and I had grown tall — 
Five feet, lacking two inches, as I leaned 'gainst the 
wall ; 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 339 

And I weighed ninety-six pounds, on Father Neff s 

scales 
In the old grist mill, overlooking our vales. 

At the annual conference, in eighteen fifty-four, 
I was called on a mission, new fields to explore, 
With twenty companions, young men bright and 

clean, 
With them Joseph F. Smith, a boy of fifteen, 
Manly, studious and faithful, keys to a life and career 
That has crowned him as President, Prophet and Seer. 
One night, sleeping with him on the isle of Maui(ee), 
At President Hammond's, 'neath a banana tree, 
I was wakened from slumber by Joseph's sharp cry — 
A centipede stung him, in the core of the eye. 
The venomous reptile struck the tenderest part; 
The poison soon spread from the brain to the heart. 
How fearfully he suffered the rest of the night! 
It was feared, through our ignorance, he might lose 

his sight. 
Then the power of the priesthood came to our aid. 
By anointing and prayer the pain was allayed. 

My mission is ended, four years have slipped by — 

Without purse or scrip, repentance I've cried; 

The will of the Father I've tried hard to do, 

And by doing, I know the gospel is true. 

Again, I have seen the dark clouds of strife 

Hang over our people, and threaten the lives 

Of Brigham, and Heber, and John Taylor, too. 

And all the brave spirits that to Joseph were true; 

But there's more union in Zion today 

Than was found in Nauvoo when they drove us away. 



340 MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 

We are nerved for the battle, and first on the program 
Is to burn up our homes, leave a desolate land — 
Leave it barren and foodless, as v^hen v^e first came; 
Not a tree, nor a shelter will v^e leave on the plain. 
Our waives and our children to the mountains must 

hie, 
Then v^e'll fight for our rights, for we fear not to die. 
The people responded with a hearty amen. 
For the spirit of freedom burned bright in our glens ; 
Then wagons and horses, men and women, with carts, 
Form in squads and battalions; for Sonora they start; 
For three hundred miles, from Logan to Cedar, 
A moving, human stream, without captain or leader. 
For the light of the prophets was shining so bright 
That the humblest pedestrian could see its bright 

light. 

But He, who moves in curious ways, his wonders to 
perform, 

Accepted the offered sacrifice, and calmed the rising 
storm. 

Today, Zion's cities are the wonder of the world. 

And a temple of beauty stands where our banner is 
unfurled ; 

And on the waste, where, as a boy, I herded cows and 
sheep, 

Now twice a year, the Saints of God in solemn confer- 
ence meet. 

And many strangers yearly come our temple to be- 
hold. 

And go away, and often say, "The half has not been 
told." 



MEMOIRS OF JOHN R. YOUNG. 341 

These are the scenes that many years have brought 

into my view, 
And I testify, with soberness, the words I speak are 

true; 
And to my wives and children dear, who cluster round 

my hearth, 
I say, with tears of happiness, I'm glad I had a birth. 



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